Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump announced an agreement for a 10-day temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, beginning Thursday evening.
This followed calls he made with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump explained that the ceasefire would take effect at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
He also indicated that both sides had expressed their willingness to cease military operations.
This is intended to pave the way for progress toward peace.
Direct meetings under US auspices
The US president noted that representatives from Lebanon and Israel recently met in Washington, the first such meeting in over three decades.
The meeting, which was also attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was part of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Trump confirmed that he had tasked Vice President Jay D. Vance and Secretary of State Rubio,
along with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with working with both sides.
The goal is to reach a lasting peace agreement, which goes beyond a temporary ceasefire.
paving the way for broader negotiations
Trump added that this move is part of US efforts to contain tensions in the region and prevent the conflict from escalating.
This truce comes amid increasing international pressure to end the fighting.
He also indicated that there are hopes this step will pave the way
for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, after years of estrangement and tension.
The temporary truce is an important test of the two sides’ commitment to de-escalation.
It opens the door to more sustainable political solutions in the next phase.
