Trump Announces 10-Day Ceasefire in Lebanon Between Israel and Hezbollah

President Donald Trump has announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, a move that could mark a turning point in a widening regional conflict tied to tensions with Iran. According to Trump, the ceasefire is set to begin at 5 p.m. ET Thursday (today as of this writing), offering what he described as a chance to create “a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon.”

The announcement follows weeks of intense fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which operates within Lebanon but is separate from the Lebanese state. Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions have devastated large parts of the country, killing more than 2,000 people and displacing over one million civilians.

A Fragile Pause in a Broader Conflict

The ceasefire comes amid a broader and highly fragile diplomatic effort involving the United States, Iran, and regional players. While a separate truce between the U.S. and Iran had been announced earlier, Israel continued its military campaign in Lebanon, creating tensions that threatened to unravel negotiations.

Trump has been actively pushing both sides toward dialogue. After announcing the ceasefire, he revealed plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. If it occurs, it would mark the first direct talks between the two nations’ leaders in 34 years.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefire, thanking multiple countries including the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar for their role in trying to broker peace.

At the center of the conflict is Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militant group backed by Iran. Israel has stated that its goal is to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities and establish a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has continued launching rockets into northern Israel. Although there have been no recent reports of injuries from those strikes, the ongoing exchanges have kept the region on edge.

The deeper issue remains unresolved. Hezbollah has refused to disarm, and Lebanese authorities have made clear that any decision about its weapons must come through negotiation, not force. This fundamental disagreement casts doubt on whether a temporary ceasefire can lead to lasting peace.

Hegseth and U.S. Military Posture

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stark warning to Iran during this period of negotiation, urging the regime to “choose wisely.”

At the same time, U.S. military officials say forces in the Middle East are “rearming” and prepared to resume combat operations if diplomacy fails. The Joint Chiefs chairman has also warned that the U.S. could take action against ships attempting to bypass a blockade on Iranian ports.

These signals underscore that while diplomacy is underway, the risk of escalation remains high.

European and Global Reaction

European leaders have cautiously welcomed the ceasefire. Ursula von der Leyen called the development “a relief,” noting that the conflict “has already claimed far too many lives.”

However, she also emphasized that a temporary halt in fighting is not enough, urging a path toward “permanent peace” and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Other international voices have expressed uncertainty. Reports indicate that even within the region, there is skepticism about whether the ceasefire will hold. Iranian civilians interviewed said they were unsure if the agreement would last, reflecting broader doubts about the stability of the situation.

How Certain Is the Ceasefire

Early signals suggest that Hezbollah may comply with the ceasefire, at least conditionally. A senior Hezbollah lawmaker indicated that the group’s adherence would depend on Israel halting all hostilities.

That condition highlights the delicate balance required to maintain the pause. Israeli forces remain active in southern Lebanon, and recent actions, including the destruction of key infrastructure like bridges, have raised fears of a longer-term occupation.

The ceasefire is expected to begin within hours of Trump’s announcement, but its success depends entirely on both sides honoring the terms.

While the 10-day ceasefire could provide immediate relief to a devastated Lebanon, it does not resolve the underlying conflict. The future of Hezbollah’s weapons, Israel’s security concerns, and Iran’s regional influence all remain unresolved.

For now, the world is watching closely as this short window opens. Whether it leads to meaningful negotiations or simply delays further violence will become clear in the days ahead.