KUALA LUMPUR — In a major diplomatic breakthrough, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. EST (2100 GMT). The pause offers a critical reprieve in a conflict that has ravaged Lebanon in parallel with the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.
The President confirmed the deal via Truth Social, following what he described as "excellent conversations" with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While Trump’s initial statement did not specify a start date, a U.S. official confirmed the truce begins this Thursday. The news follows heavy mediation efforts, with Pakistan noting earlier that a Lebanese peace was "essential" for separate talks aimed at ending the broader U.S.-Iran hostilities.
Hezbollah’s leadership has signaled cautious cooperation. Senior lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah told Reuters that the group had been informed by Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon that a one-week ceasefire could begin Thursday evening.
"Everything is tied to Israel's commitment to halt all forms of hostilities," Fadlallah stated when asked if Hezbollah would commit to the truce, crediting "Iran's diplomatic efforts" for the breakthrough.
In a follow-up announcement, President Trump revealed he will be inviting Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Aoun to the White House for "meaningful talks" to solidify regional stability.
The ceasefire comes at a moment of extreme tension. Israeli attacks have killed more than 2,100 people in Lebanon since March 2 and forced more than 1.2 million to flee, according to Lebanese authorities. Conversely, Israel reports that Hezbollah attacks have killed two Israeli civilians and 13 soldiers in Lebanon since the hostilities spilt across the border on March 2.
Despite the diplomatic progress, the situation on the ground remains volatile. An Israeli cabinet source confirmed that Netanyahu’s security cabinet convened for an "urgent discussion" regarding the terms.
Crucially, an Israeli security official noted that the military has no plans to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon during the 10-day window, suggesting that while the guns may fall silent, the military presence remains a point of significant friction. - April 17, 2026
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