Middle East Tensions: Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended by Three Weeks, Announces Trump

US President Donald Trump has announced that the ceasefire in Lebanon will be extended for an additional three weeks. The first phase of the ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been conducting military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, was set to expire on Sunday. During the second round of talks held in Washington with Israeli and Lebanese officials, President Trump declared the extension of the ceasefire period.

While the Israeli military claimed to maintain control over areas in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah expressed disagreement with the meeting. Shortly before the talks began, Hezbollah reported a rocket attack in northern Israel. President Trump, speaking to the press from the Oval Office, said that Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also present at the meeting and described the discussions as “progressing well.”

President Trump stated, “The United States will work with Lebanon to protect it from Hezbollah.” Labeling Hezbollah as a “shared problem” for both Israel and Lebanon, Trump emphasized his commitment to coordinating with these countries to find a solution.

Meanwhile, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations noted that the extended ceasefire may not be sufficient to completely halt the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon and supported by Iran.

Speaking with CNN, Danny Danon said, “The Lebanese government has no control over Hezbollah.” During the ongoing talks, the Israeli military reported that rockets had been fired into its territory from Lebanon. Sirens reportedly sounded in the area of the alleged attack. Subsequently, the Israeli military confirmed it had struck the location from which the rockets were fired.