A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by three weeks following high-level talks at the White House, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement comes as both sides attempt to sustain fragile diplomacy amid ongoing tensions involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
Speaking after meetings with senior officials and diplomats, Trump said the discussions between Israeli and Lebanese representatives “went very well,” resulting in an agreement to prolong the truce beyond its original срок.
“The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,” Trump said in a social media post. He later confirmed in the Oval Office that “The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS.”
The initial ceasefire, brokered just days earlier, had been set to expire after 10 days. The extension provides critical time for continued diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring states, which have technically been at war since 1948.
The meeting included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with ambassadors from both countries.
Rare Diplomatic Breakthrough
The talks mark a significant diplomatic milestone, representing the first direct engagement between Israel and Lebanon in decades. Historically, communication between the two countries has been conducted indirectly, often mediated by the United States or the United Nations.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter expressed optimism following the discussions, stating: “We hope that together, under your leadership, we can formalize peace between Israel and Lebanon in the very near future.”
Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad also welcomed the efforts, saying: “And I think with your help, with your support, we can make Lebanon great again.”
Trump indicated that further progress could follow, revealing plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington in the coming weeks.
Hezbollah Remains a Key Obstacle
Despite diplomatic momentum, Hezbollah continues to pose a major challenge to lasting peace. The Iran-backed group has opposed the talks and has not participated in negotiations.
Trump acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting: “they do have Hezbollah to think about.”
Israeli officials have repeatedly identified Hezbollah as the primary barrier to normalization. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, “We don’t have any serious disagreements with Lebanon. There are a few minor border disputes that can be solved,” adding, “The obstacle to peace and normalization between the countries is one: Hezbollah.”
A senior Hezbollah official, Wafiq Safa, has stated that the group will not abide by agreements reached through these talks, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
Continued Violence Despite Ceasefire
The ceasefire extension comes against a backdrop of ongoing hostilities. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the truce, with recent exchanges of rocket fire and airstrikes reported.
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Israel responded with extensive bombardment and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, where its forces currently maintain a buffer zone extending up to 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory.
Casualties have been significant. Lebanese health authorities report that approximately 2,300 people have been killed, including hundreds of women and children, while more than one million people have been displaced.
Tensions were further inflamed this week after an Israeli strike killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials accused Israel of targeting civilians and obstructing rescue efforts, allegations denied by the Israeli military.
Lebanon Pushes for Broader Negotiations
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has outlined broader objectives for upcoming negotiations, including a full cessation of Israeli attacks, withdrawal of Israeli troops, release of Lebanese prisoners, and reconstruction of war-affected areas.
The Lebanese government is also considering legal action, with Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri confirming that officials are preparing a report on alleged war crimes and discussing potential engagement with the International Criminal Court.
While Iran has linked broader regional de-escalation to its own negotiations with the United States, Lebanon has emphasized its intention to represent its interests independently.
Fragile Path Forward
The extension of the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve and a window for diplomacy, but significant hurdles remain. Hezbollah’s continued resistance, ongoing violations, and deep-rooted geopolitical tensions underscore the fragility of the current truce.
Still, the rare direct talks between Israel and Lebanon signal a potential shift in regional dynamics—one that could, if sustained, pave the way toward a more durable peace.