US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, following what he described as “excellent conversations” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Trump said the temporary truce is aimed at reducing hostilities and opening the door for wider peace talks between the two countries.
“These two Leaders have agreed that, in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST,” Trump wrote on social media.
The ceasefire is set to begin at 5 pm Eastern Standard Time (21:00 GMT).
“It Has Been My Honor”: Trump Claims Role in Global Peace Efforts
In his post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted his administration’s diplomatic efforts and claimed that this agreement could mark another major breakthrough.
“It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let’s, GET IT DONE!” he said.
He also said he had directed US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine to work closely with both sides to ensure the ceasefire holds and to push for a lasting settlement.
Historic Diplomatic Talks After Decades
Trump further said that Israeli and Lebanese officials had met in Washington for direct discussions for the first time in 34 years, calling it a significant diplomatic moment.
He wrote, “On Tuesday, the two countries met for the first time in 34 years here in Washington, D.C., with our great Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.”
According to reports, the talks followed weeks of intense conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, which had sharply escalated tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Trump also indicated that he plans to invite both leaders to the White House for what he called the “first meaningful talks since 1983.”
US Push for Long-Term Peace Agreement
The US administration has said the 10-day ceasefire is only the first step toward a broader peace process.
Trump said his team would continue engaging both sides to ensure the truce develops into a permanent agreement.
“These two countries want peace, and I believe it will happen quickly,” he added.
Regional Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
While the announcement has been welcomed as a diplomatic breakthrough by some, tensions remain on the ground.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hussein Hajj Hassan criticised Lebanon’s engagement in direct talks with Israel, calling it a “grave error” and warning against further concessions.
