Trump announces 10-day ceasefire10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon
US President Donald Trump announced on April 16, 2026, that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting at 5 p.m. EST, following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The truce aims to pause fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah after six weeks of conflict that killed over 2,000 in Lebanon and displaced one in five people there. This deal comes amid a parallel US-Iran ceasefire and broader war efforts. The ceasefire could build momentum for ending the wider US-Iran-Israel conflict, with planned White House talks between Aoun and Netanyahu. However, challenges persist, including Hezbollah's disarmament, Israel's refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon security zones, and uncertainties over enforcement by Lebanese forces.
Israeli Perspective
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the truce as a chance for a historic peace deal with Lebanon. He insisted Hezbollah must disarm as a key condition and stated Israel would only respond to imminent threats during the ceasefire. Recent Washington talks mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid groundwork for this pause.
Lebanese/Hezbollah Perspective
Lebanon reported Israeli acts of aggression violating the ceasefire shortly after it began. Hezbollah agreed to abide by the truce but demanded Israel withdraw from all Lebanese territory up to the border. Celebrations erupted in Beirut with fireworks as the pause took effect.
US Perspective
President Trump brokered the deal through direct calls and directed top officials to pursue lasting peace. He invited both leaders to the White House for first meaningful talks since 1983. The ceasefire supports momentum from the US-Iran truce amid efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Lebanon endured a 1975-1990 civil war that killed 150,000 and reshaped its sectarian politics.
- Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982, sparking Hezbollah's formation amid Shiite resistance.
- Beirut's 1983 barracks bombing by Hezbollah precursors killed 241 U.S. troops.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
