A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight local time Thursday, though Lebanese forces reported Israeli violations within hours of the truce beginning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the temporary halt to hostilities earlier Thursday, saying he agreed to the ceasefire to advance peace negotiations that began this week in Washington. The announcement followed mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations at the State Department, though Hezbollah was not represented in those discussions.
I just had excellent conversations with the highly respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel. These two leaders have agreed that in order to achieve peace between their countries, they will formally begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 P.M. EST.
Donald Trump, US President — Truth Social
Netanyahu rejected key Hezbollah demands, including a full Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israeli forces will remain in what he termed an "expanded security belt" stretching up to 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, from the Mediterranean coast to the Syrian border.
Hezbollah demanded that we withdraw to the international lines and adopt the principle of calm for calm. I did not agree to either of these demands.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister — Video statement
The Lebanese army reported Israeli "acts of aggression" early Friday, including intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages. The army warned citizens against returning to southern towns and villages. Israeli military officials had not immediately responded to the violation allegations.
Fighting continued until the ceasefire's implementation. Israel struck 380 Hezbollah targets in the 24 hours before the truce, while the militant group launched several attacks on northern Israeli positions, wounding three people including two seriously.
Netanyahu framed the negotiations as an opportunity for a "historic peace agreement" with Lebanon, contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament. He claimed Trump had assured him of continued efforts to destroy Iran's remaining military capabilities, which Netanyahu argued would improve prospects for a lasting deal.
I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be (a) GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!
Donald Trump, US President — Truth Social
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and urged all parties to respect the truce fully. The temporary halt comes after Israel's offensive on Lebanon since March 2 killed 2,196 people and displaced over one million, according to official figures.
The ceasefire's durability remains uncertain given the early violation reports and fundamental disagreements over Israeli troop presence in southern Lebanon.