Trump Announces Three-Week Extension of Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group by three weeks. The announcement came after a meeting at the White House with Israeli and Lebanese diplomats.

The extension follows discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where periodic clashes have occurred between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. Trump said the agreement was reached during talks in the Oval Office, which included senior officials from both nations and U.S. Representatives.

According to reports, the meeting was attended by Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Ambassadors to Israel and Lebanon, Mike Huckabee and Michel Issa, respectively.

The ceasefire extension aims to provide a window for further diplomatic engagement and reduce the risk of broader conflict. Even as the truce holds, isolated incidents have continued to be reported in southern Lebanon, including an Israeli airstrike that killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil on Wednesday, whose funeral was held the following day in the village of Baysariyeh.

Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire to protect civilians and create conditions for a more lasting resolution. The three-week extension builds on prior understandings between the parties, facilitated by U.S. Mediation efforts.

The development underscores the ongoing role of diplomatic channels in managing regional flashpoints, even amid sporadic violence. Observers note that sustained dialogue will be critical to preventing escalation and addressing the underlying causes of tension along the border.

As the situation remains fluid, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, with hopes that the extended ceasefire will allow for meaningful progress toward stability.