President Trump Announces 10-Day Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon Involving Hezbollah

S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which includes Hezbollah, set to begin at 5 PM ET today. The announcement was made on social media, with Trump stating that the truce could lead to further negotiations.

Hezbollah, a key party in the conflict, backed the ceasefire but warned that Israel must fully comply, unlike previous agreements. The ceasefire follows recent escalations, including cross-border attacks after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. S.

mediation for direct talks. The initial period may be extended by mutual agreement if progress is shown in negotiations.

Diplomatic Developments

Trump invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for talks.

This would mark the first direct conversations between the leaders in 34 years, though Lebanese officials denied plans for such a meeting. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for Hezbollah to surrender its arsenal. " — Hezbollah spokesperson, 2026-04-16 (Newsweek) Hezbollah's spokesperson stated that resistance will continue as long as occupation persists, describing it as a legitimate right.

The group emerged after Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon and retained weapons after the civil war ended in 1990. Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, but tensions have persisted.

Historical Context

The current conflict escalated when Hezbollah supported Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, leading to a regional confrontation.

A previous ceasefire in November 2024 was violated, with the Israel Defense Forces continuing strikes on suspected Hezbollah targets. Hezbollah resumed attacks in response. N. Security Council Resolution that ended the 2006 war.

Israel seeks to neutralize Hezbollah's threat, while the group maintains its military strength to resist attacks. More than one million Lebanese have been displaced in the latest fighting.

Iran's Role and Broader Implications Iran

has demanded that Lebanon be included in any deal to end the U.

-Israel war against Iran, which began in late February. Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani, emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon. Fawaz Gerges, a professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science, noted that both Trump and Iran are positioning to take credit for the truce.

S. Nicholas Blanford, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs, said the truce's success depends on Israel's adherence, warning that continued strikes could lead to retaliation. Trump commented on progress with Iran, stating that Iran is willing to do things it previously was not, including discussions on the Strait of Hormuz.

He also disagreed with the Pope on Iran's nuclear capabilities. S. economy in various ways. Israeli government ministers expressed outrage over the ceasefire announcement, as Trump gave Israel's consent before approval by the Israeli Security Cabinet.

Netanyahu has stated intentions to establish a buffer zone in Lebanon. Hezbollah insists on full Israeli withdrawal for the ceasefire to hold. Lebanese officials have criticized Israeli operations but reject forcing Hezbollah's disarmament.

The public in Lebanon remains divided on normalizing ties with Israel. Iran continues to back Hezbollah militarily, complicating disarmament efforts. Blanford noted that a ceasefire meets Lebanese demands for starting talks, but achieving full peace and disarmament faces significant challenges.

Gerges cautioned that without Israeli withdrawal, the truce could collapse, as Hezbollah will not accept any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. The announcement aligns with Trump's broader diplomatic push, including potential extensions of the Iran ceasefire. -Iran negotiations may influence the Israel-Lebanon truce, as the conflicts are interconnected through Iran's alliances.