US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks, calling it a “significant and historic” move.
He made the statement at the White House after meeting senior officials from both nations.
Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun may meet in Washington within the next few weeks. He described both leaders as “great people” who live next to each other but have never met.
“We had a great meeting with very high officials of Lebanon and Israel,” Trump told reporters. “I think the president of Lebanon and the prime minister of Israel will be coming here soon.”
He added that the ceasefire would continue for three more weeks, expressing hope that peace efforts would hold despite Hezbollah’s presence in the region.
Israel and Lebanon thanked Trump for brokering the truce. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the nations could formalise peace in the future. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad also praised Trump’s role, saying his support could help Lebanon rebuild its strength.
Israel urged Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, calling it an obstacle to lasting peace. Trump echoed that sentiment, saying Iran must stop funding Hezbollah to ensure stability in the Middle East.
The announcement marks a rare moment of optimism amid decades of tension between the neighbouring countries.
