Washington DC: The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been extended by three weeks following high-level negotiations hosted by Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington, D.C.
The announcement came after Trump met with Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s ambassador, Nada Moawad, marking a second round of US-facilitated diplomatic talks. The meeting took place amid ongoing tensions, a day after Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least five people in southern Lebanon, including a journalist.
Speaking after the meeting, Trump expressed optimism about the outcome, stating that the United States would work closely with Lebanon to enhance its security and stability, particularly in addressing concerns related to Hezbollah. The Iran-aligned group, which has been engaged in hostilities with Israel, was not part of the discussions and continues to assert its position of resistance against what it describes as occupation.
Trump also revealed plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in future talks, signaling continued US involvement in brokering peace in the region. He indicated there was a strong possibility of a broader peace agreement being reached within the year if current diplomatic momentum is maintained.
Senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also attended the meeting, underlining the importance Washington places on stabilizing the situation.
The ceasefire, initially agreed upon last week, was due to expire soon but has significantly reduced violence despite sporadic clashes continuing in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces remain positioned in a self-declared buffer zone, raising concerns about long-term stability.
Analysts say the extension provides a crucial window for diplomacy, but lasting peace will depend on broader regional negotiations and addressing underlying security challenges.
