U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire, marking a temporary halt in weeks of cross-border fighting between Israeli forces and armed groups in southern Lebanon. Trump said the truce would start on Thursday evening 21:00 GMT after what he described as “excellent conversations” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
According to the U.S. State Department, the agreement is designed to create time for broader negotiations on border security and a possible long-term peace arrangement. Under the deal, Lebanon is expected to strengthen control in the south, while Israel will pause offensive military operations during the ceasefire period.
European leaders also welcomed the breakthrough, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling the pause in violence an important step toward stability in the region. However, officials warned that the coming days will determine whether the fragile agreement can lead to a more permanent settlement.
