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10-Day Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Begins, Trump Announces Historic Talks

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has begun, aiming to end over a month of deadly clashes primarily involving Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel will maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon during the truce. US President Donald Trump announced he will host Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for historic White House talks, the first such meeting in 44 years. The ceasefire's durability hinges on Hezbollah, which is not a formal party to the agreement, refraining from further attacks.

Key Points: Israel-Lebanon 10-Day Ceasefire Begins | US Brokers Talks

  • Truce aims to halt deadly month-long escalation
  • Israel struck 380+ Hezbollah targets pre-ceasefire
  • Netanyahu declares 10-km security zone in S. Lebanon
  • Trump to host Netanyahu & Aoun for first talks in 44 years
2 min read

10-day ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon goes into effect

A 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon takes effect. US President Trump announces plans to host Israeli and Lebanese leaders for historic peace talks.

"I think we will have an agreement between Lebanon, and they're going to take care of Hezbollah. - Donald Trump"

Jerusalem, April 17

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday, following an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump.

The truce aims to end more than a month of deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, which has claimed over 2,000 lives.

In a statement, Israel's military said that it struck more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon over the past day, including militants, launchers and headquarters, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israel's rescue service Magen David Adom claimed that Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel during the final hours before the ceasefire went into effect, resulting in three injuries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a videotaped statement that Israel will maintain a 10-km security zone in southern Lebanon during the ceasefire period.

He cited security needs, rejected withdrawal, and highlighted a historic opportunity for peace between Israel and Lebanon, alongside a demand to disarm Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Trump said Thursday he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House "over the next week or two."

"I think we're going to have a meeting," Trump told reporters at the White House, noting the talks would be the first in 44 years.

"I think we will have an agreement between Lebanon, and they're going to take care of Hezbollah," Trump said.

The remarks came hours after he announced on social media that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 10-day ceasefire.

The ceasefire is expected to pause hostilities that escalated when Israel opened a new front targeting Iran-affiliated Hezbollah.

Lebanon is not directly engaged in a formal war with Israel, but Hezbollah controls large parts of southern Lebanon and has carried out attacks on Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes.

Unable to rein in Hezbollah, Lebanon has borne the brunt of Israeli retaliation.

The durability of the ceasefire is likely to depend on Hezbollah refraining from further attacks.

While Hezbollah is not formally part of the agreement, media reports indicated that the group may halt attacks if Israel also exercises restraint.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
This is a complex situation. Hezbollah is a non-state actor controlling territory, making it hard for Lebanon's government. Israel's security concerns are understandable, but creating a 10-km security zone inside another country is problematic. Hope the talks in Washington lead to something substantial.
R
Rohit P
Over 2000 lives lost... such a tragedy. While we in India focus on our own borders and development, it's a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be. The US mediation is key, but the regional players, especially Iran's role via Hezbollah, needs to be addressed. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, I see how proxy conflicts can destabilize a whole region. Lebanon is caught in the middle. The demand to disarm Hezbollah is logical for Israel's security, but practically, who will enforce it? The Lebanese state seems too weak. A very difficult path to peace.
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Vikram M
Trump saying "they're going to take care of Hezbollah" is overly simplistic. It's like saying Pakistan will "take care" of all militant groups on its soil. These are deeply entrenched actors. The ceasefire is good, but the statements sound more optimistic than realistic. Let's see what the meeting yields.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions Lebanon bearing the brunt of retaliation. This is the real tragedy—ordinary citizens paying the price for the actions of a militant group their government can't control. My heart goes out to them. Hope the 10 days allow for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

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