24.04.2026 06:30
US President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by 3 weeks. In the announcement made after the meeting at the White House involving representatives from the US, Israel, and Lebanon, it was stated that the temporary agreement between the parties continues. However, mutual claims of violations on the ground and Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon indicate that the ceasefire remains fragile.
US President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended for 3 weeks. The announcement, made after critical talks at the White House, revealed that diplomatic efforts to lower tensions in the region are ongoing.
CRITICAL SUMMIT AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Trump stated in a post on his social media account following a meeting in the Oval Office with representatives from the US, Israel, and Lebanon that the talks "went very well." Emphasizing that the US will cooperate to ensure Lebanon can defend itself against Hezbollah, Trump said, "The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended for 3 weeks."
It was reported that the meeting was the second high-level diplomatic contact between the two countries in recent weeks, and that the 10-day ceasefire, which was about to expire, was thus extended.
Trump also announced that he wants to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Avn at the White House soon.
FRAGILE CEASEFIRE, ONGOING TENSION
According to reports in the international press, despite the extension of the ceasefire, tensions on the ground have not completely ended. It is noted that Hezbollah occasionally carries out rocket attacks, while Israel continues its air operations in response to these attacks.
Meanwhile, Israel's continued military presence in some areas of southern Lebanon and mutual accusations of violations by the parties show that the ceasefire remains fragile. The Lebanese government demands that Israel withdraw from occupied territories and completely cease attacks for a permanent solution.
PART OF A REGIONAL CRISIS
The clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in March, quickly turned into a full-scale war, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing over 1 million people. The ceasefire began on April 16 with a 10-day interim agreement brokered by the US. However, the direct link between the clashes and the ongoing tension between Iran and the US continues to increase risks in the region.
HOPE FOR LASTING PEACE ON THE TABLE
Diplomatic sources describe the talks at the White House as "a historic step," noting that the first direct contact between the parties in decades presents a significant opportunity for lasting peace.
The US administration aims for a more comprehensive agreement with a leaders' summit to be held in the coming period. However, clashes on the ground and deep mistrust between the parties indicate that the process will be challenging.