Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Extended by Three Weeks After Oval Office Meeting
US President Donald Trump facilitated a meeting between Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors, leading to the extension of their ceasefire.
Washington/Beirut/Jerusalem: The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been extended for an additional three weeks following a high-level meeting at the White House.
US President Donald Trump hosted both countries' ambassadors to Washington, Yechiel Leiter for Israel and Nada Moawad for Lebanon, in the Oval Office.
This meeting comes after Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a journalist, on Wednesday.
The United States is set to work with Lebanon to assist in protecting itself from Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned armed group fighting against Israel.
It is worth noting that Hezbollah was not present during the negotiations.
The group maintains it has the right to resist occupying forces.
Trump also expressed his hope for a peace agreement between the two nations this year and mentioned plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the near future.
The meeting, attended by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, sought an extension of the ceasefire, which was set to expire on Sunday.
This truce has led to a significant reduction in violence but has not completely halted attacks in southern Lebanon.
Ambassador Moawad expressed gratitude towards Trump for his support in extending the ceasefire, stating her belief that with US help, Lebanon can achieve great progress.
The Lebanese government has requested an Israeli withdrawal from their territory and the return of Lebanese detainees currently held in Israel as part of future negotiations.
In response to a question about how the United States would assist Lebanon against Hezbollah, Trump stated that they have a strong relationship with Lebanon but did not provide specific details.
He emphasized Israel's need to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah.
On the deadliest day since the ceasefire began on April 16, three individuals were killed by Israeli strikes, including Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil.
The Israeli military is reviewing an incident in which two journalists were reportedly wounded during strikes targeting vehicles associated with Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has expressed their desire for the ceasefire to continue, but under the condition of full compliance from Israel.
They have also urged the government to end all direct contact with Israel.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel reignited on March 2, when the group launched an attack in support of Iran in a broader regional war.
Since the start of hostilities, nearly 2,500 individuals have been killed in Lebanon according to Lebanese authorities.
Israel occupies a strip of land in southern Lebanon, extending 5-10 kilometers into the country, as part of its efforts to protect northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of southern Lebanon not to cross into this area.
US President Donald Trump hosted both countries' ambassadors to Washington, Yechiel Leiter for Israel and Nada Moawad for Lebanon, in the Oval Office.
This meeting comes after Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a journalist, on Wednesday.
The United States is set to work with Lebanon to assist in protecting itself from Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned armed group fighting against Israel.
It is worth noting that Hezbollah was not present during the negotiations.
The group maintains it has the right to resist occupying forces.
Trump also expressed his hope for a peace agreement between the two nations this year and mentioned plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the near future.
The meeting, attended by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, sought an extension of the ceasefire, which was set to expire on Sunday.
This truce has led to a significant reduction in violence but has not completely halted attacks in southern Lebanon.
Ambassador Moawad expressed gratitude towards Trump for his support in extending the ceasefire, stating her belief that with US help, Lebanon can achieve great progress.
The Lebanese government has requested an Israeli withdrawal from their territory and the return of Lebanese detainees currently held in Israel as part of future negotiations.
In response to a question about how the United States would assist Lebanon against Hezbollah, Trump stated that they have a strong relationship with Lebanon but did not provide specific details.
He emphasized Israel's need to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah.
On the deadliest day since the ceasefire began on April 16, three individuals were killed by Israeli strikes, including Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil.
The Israeli military is reviewing an incident in which two journalists were reportedly wounded during strikes targeting vehicles associated with Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has expressed their desire for the ceasefire to continue, but under the condition of full compliance from Israel.
They have also urged the government to end all direct contact with Israel.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel reignited on March 2, when the group launched an attack in support of Iran in a broader regional war.
Since the start of hostilities, nearly 2,500 individuals have been killed in Lebanon according to Lebanese authorities.
Israel occupies a strip of land in southern Lebanon, extending 5-10 kilometers into the country, as part of its efforts to protect northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of southern Lebanon not to cross into this area.
