US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, marking a rare diplomatic breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions along the border. The announcement followed what Trump described as "excellent conversations" with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President said the ceasefire will begin at 5 PM EST (3:30 AM IST), framing it as a first step towards a peace process between the two sides. While there has been no immediate confirmation from Israel or Hezbollah, which has been directly involved in the conflict, the statement signals that backchannel diplomacy may have gained momentum.
"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 revealed that representatives from Israel and Lebanon met earlier this week in Washington, their first such meeting in 34 years. The talks were held alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu," Trump said, describing the discussions as a step toward achieving peace between their countries. The US President added that he has tasked Vice President JD Vance, Secretary Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine with working alongside both nations to secure a more lasting settlement.
In a separate post, Trump said he plans to invite Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House for the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983. "I will be inviting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, to the White House for the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983," he said, adding, "Both sides want to see PEACE, and I believe that will happen, quickly!"
The ceasefire, if implemented as announced, would mark a pause in tensions between Israel and Lebanon, whose relations have remained hostile for decades. The latest round of major fighting erupted on March 2, when Iran-backed Hezbollah launched rockets, missiles, and drones toward a missile defense site near Haifa in northern Israel following joint US-Israeli attacks on Tehran. In response, Israel immediately launched attacks on Beirut suburbs and other targets, along with evacuation orders for dozens of villages in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley.
The 10-day window is likely to act as a testing period, giving both sides space to gauge intent and explore the possibility of further talks. Much will depend on whether both sides avoid violations and keep communication channels open during this time.
Source: India Today