Source The Hindu
WASHINGTON/BEIRUT — In a major diplomatic development amid the wider regional conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, set to begin at 5:00 PM EST.
The announcement follows a series of high-stakes phone calls between the White House and regional leaders. Writing on his Truth Social platform, President Trump stated that he had held “excellent conversations” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to secure the deal.
Key Details of the Agreement
The temporary cessation of hostilities is seen as a “cooling-off” period intended to facilitate deeper negotiations for a lasting peace.
Duration: 10 days, effective immediately from Thursday evening.
Parties: Primarily between the sovereign states of Israel and Lebanon, though regional eyes remain on Hezbollah’s compliance.
Diplomatic Context: The move comes as the U.S. and Iran are also engaged in indirect talks, mediated by Pakistan, to extend a separate two-week ceasefire that has been under strain.
Strategic Implications
The truce follows weeks of intensive military activity, including significant Israeli strikes across Lebanon and a U.S.-led maritime blockade of Iranian ports.
“These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE,” Trump posted, framing the deal as a step toward resolving what he described as the “tenth war” of his career.
While the Lebanese government has welcomed the move, Hezbollah officials have indicated that their adherence to the truce will depend entirely on “Israel halting all forms of hostilities.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that the U.S. military will maintain its posture in the region, particularly regarding the monitoring of the Strait of Hormuz, to ensure the ceasefire terms are respected.
Global Reaction
The international community has reacted with cautious optimism.
The Vatican: Pope Francis called for leaders to use this window to seek a permanent end to the violence.
European Union: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the pause, urging both sides to include all regional actors in the long-term stabilization process.
As the 5:00 PM deadline passes, all eyes are on the border to see if the guns truly fall silent, providing a much-needed humanitarian reprieve for the civilians caught in the crossfire.
