New York, April 17: Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at de-escalating tensions along a volatile front linked to the broader Iran conflict.
The truce, agreed upon after discussions with Benjamin Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun, is set to begin at 5 p.m. Washington time. It follows a recent surge in hostilities driven by cross-border strikes involving Iran-backed Hezbollah.
While Lebanon is not formally at war with Israel, Hezbollah’s operations from southern Lebanon have triggered retaliatory Israeli strikes, leading to significant casualties and displacement. The ceasefire’s sustainability will largely depend on Hezbollah halting further attacks, although the group is not officially part of the agreement.
The development comes after diplomatic engagement facilitated by Marco Rubio, marking the first such interaction between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in decades. Iran has also signalled support, with senior officials backing efforts to stabilise the region.
The United Nations has welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated calls for a permanent resolution, as peacekeeping forces—including Indian personnel—remain deployed in the conflict zone.
