A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is set to take effect late Thursday, pausing hostilities between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah after weeks of escalating violence that has killed thousands and displaced large numbers of civilians.
The truce, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (22:00 BST), with an initial duration of 10 days and the possibility of extension, according to U.S. officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement would halt attacks targeting Hezbollah but confirmed that Israeli troops would remain in a 10-kilometer-deep security zone inside southern Lebanon. He described the ceasefire as an opportunity to pursue what he called a potential “historic peace agreement” with Lebanon.
The U.S. State Department said the agreement followed face-to-face talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington this week, with both sides affirming that they “are not at war” and committing to engage in good-faith negotiations facilitated by the United States.
The ceasefire was described as a “gesture of goodwill” by Israel and may be extended by mutual agreement if progress is made. While the truce is in effect, the United States reiterated Israel’s right to act in self-defense against imminent or ongoing threats. The agreement also calls on the Lebanese government to take steps to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from launching attacks, while affirming that Lebanon’s security forces bear exclusive responsibility for the country’s sovereignty and national defense. Both parties have requested continued U.S. mediation to resolve remaining issues.
Hezbollah signaled conditional acceptance of the deal, calling for a comprehensive halt to Israeli attacks across all Lebanese territory and rejecting any continued Israeli military presence. In a statement, the group said its actions would depend on how the situation develops.
Fighting continued in the hours leading up to the ceasefire’s implementation, with Israeli strikes reported in southern Lebanon and rocket fire launched into northern Israel.
The agreement follows an intensive diplomatic push by the United States and comes amid broader efforts to stabilize the region, including a separate, fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
More than 2,100 people have been killed in Lebanon during the latest round of fighting, according to Lebanese authorities, and over one million residents have been displaced. Israeli officials report that at least 13 soldiers and two civilians have been killed.
Trump said he has invited the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to the White House for potential follow-up talks, though no meetings have been confirmed.
