Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, effective 5:00 PM EST.
Trump’s Announcement on Truth Social
Donald Trump stated on TruthSocial that he held “excellent talks” with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, resulting in their agreement to formally begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5:00 PM EST to achieve peace between their countries.
Trump added that both countries met for the first time in 34 years in Washington, D.C., with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He directed Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Razin’ Caine to work with Israel and Lebanon towards a lasting peace.
U.S. Pressure and Hezbollah’s Role
Two high-ranking Lebanese officials told Reuters on Wednesday that the U.S. was pressing Israel on the matter. The Lebanese government, which does not control Hezbollah, had sought a ceasefire and ordered the terrorist group to disarm.
However, the Iran-backed Hezbollah has consistently refused to disarm.
Escalation of Conflict
The Israeli army began operations against Hezbollah in early March, conducting airstrikes on Lebanon and ground operations in the south of the country. The conflict began after Hezbollah, supported by Iran, resumed attacks on northern Israel.
This was in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28th.
