US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks, following successful talks at the White House between the two nations' ambassadors.
The meeting, described by Trump as having gone "very well," marks a significant step in easing tensions. The initial 10-day ceasefire was set to expire Monday.
Trump stated the US will assist Lebanon in protecting itself from Hezbollah and expressed anticipation for future meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter indicated hope for formalizing peace, while Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad thanked the US for its support in rebuilding Lebanon.
Lebanon's President Aoun previously indicated plans to formally request the ceasefire extension and an end to Israeli home demolitions. Future negotiations aim to halt Israeli attacks, secure troop withdrawal, release prisoners, and commence reconstruction.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified Hezbollah as the primary obstacle to peace, urging Lebanon to work towards disarming the group.
The recent conflict, which began with Hezbollah rocket fire and Israeli retaliatory attacks, resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon. The current ceasefire extension represents the first direct high-level talks between the two nations since 1993.