A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, set to last for ten days, officially commenced on Friday. The deal was announced by U.S. President Trump on Thursday, who stated that both nations had consented to initiate the ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST. In a message shared on Truth Social, Trump described the agreement as a significant move towards fostering peace between the two countries.
As the ceasefire took effect on Friday, Trump reiterated on Truth Social, “This may have been a historic day for Lebanon. Good things are happening!!! President DJT.”
The ongoing conflict has seen Israel engaged in hostilities not only with Lebanese forces but also with Hezbollah militants, who are supported by Iran and were not part of the ceasefire arrangement.
In response to the situation, Trump expressed hope that Hezbollah would maintain a peaceful stance during this critical time. He remarked, “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! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
However, the Lebanese army reported on Friday that Israel had violated the ceasefire, citing incidents of shelling in several southern Lebanese villages shortly after the agreement was enacted. The Israeli military has not yet responded to these allegations, according to Al Jazeera.
Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that he supported the ceasefire to further peace initiatives with Lebanon, though he made it clear that Israeli troops would not be withdrawing from the region. Israeli forces have been involved in intense clashes with Hezbollah along the border, as they seek to establish what officials refer to as a “security zone,” which Netanyahu stated would extend ten kilometers (approximately six miles) into Lebanon. He asserted, “That is where we are, and we are not leaving.”
Hezbollah has countered that the “Israeli occupation of our land grants Lebanon and its people the right to resist it,” suggesting that the situation could become more complicated depending on future developments.
The Lebanese government has faced internal conflict with Hezbollah concerning its military actions, particularly in light of the government’s efforts over the past year to disarm the group, which was established by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982. Notably, Beirut prohibited Hezbollah’s military activities on March 2.
In a rare diplomatic engagement, Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors met in Washington on Tuesday. However, a direct conversation between Netanyahu and Lebanese President Michel Aoun would represent a significant breakthrough in the relations between the two nations, which have been in a state of conflict since Israel’s establishment in 1948.
Hezbollah remains opposed to any form of diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel.
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