US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a three-week extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire after envoys held productive talks in Washington. Trump posted on Truth Social that the meeting “went very well,” adding the US would help Lebanon protect itself from Hezbollah.
Consequently, Trump confirmed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the White House soon. “They do have Hezbollah to think about,” Trump said from the Oval Office. Furthermore, he stated, “I think it will be a wonderful thing to get this worked out simultaneously with what we are doing in Iran.” Both ambassadors praised Trump’s mediation during these historic talks.
Ceasefire Tensions Persist
However, both sides continue accusing each other of violations. Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel after alleging an Israeli breach, while the IDF intercepted those launches. Additionally, Lebanon accused Israel of war crimes after airstrikes killed a journalist in southern Lebanon. Nevertheless, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said both nations aim to remove “this malign influence called Hezbollah.”
Meanwhile, casualties mount across the conflict zone. Lebanese health officials report at least 2,294 deaths from Israeli attacks, including 274 women and 177 children. Moreover, UN figures show over one million Lebanese, roughly one in five citizens, have fled their homes, with Israeli authorities confirming two civilian deaths and 15 soldier fatalities from Hezbollah attacks.
Ultimately, Hezbollah’s disarmament remains the central obstacle. Lebanese President Aoun warns force cannot achieve this goal, emphasizing negotiations instead. Supporters view Hezbollah as essential protection in a fragile state. Therefore, the group continues refusing discussions about its weapons arsenal.
