Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Extended by Three Weeks Following Trump-Mediated Talks

Washington D.C. The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been extended for an additional three weeks through the active mediation of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump announced the agreement to extend the truce following high-level talks with ambassadors from both nations at the White House Oval Office. 

This dialogue, held just a day after an Israeli strike claimed the lives of five people, including a journalist, is being viewed as a critical step toward de-escalating tensions in West Asia. On Truth Social, Trump described the meeting as highly positive and pledged that the U.S. would assist Lebanon in protecting itself from Hezbollah.

The talks were attended by Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Moad. Also present were U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. envoys appointed for Lebanon and Israel. 

Trump expressed his eagerness to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House in the coming days. He claimed there is a strong possibility of a permanent peace treaty between the two nations this year and promised that the U.S. would help make Lebanon great again.

Despite the ceasefire extension, tensions remain high in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military has established a buffer zone and maintains control, with sporadic incidents of violence continuing. 

Lebanese Ambassador Moad expressed gratitude for Trump's support and voiced hope for the revitalization of Lebanon. However, Lebanon is preparing to prioritize the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of detained citizens, and border demarcation issues in the next round of negotiations. 

Since the ceasefire took effect on April 16, last Wednesday proved to be the deadliest day for Lebanon. Al-Akhbar journalist Amal Khalil was killed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling. Hezbollah has stated it will continue its resistance activities while demanding that Israel fully adhere to the ceasefire terms. 

The conflict, which began due to regional tensions involving Iran, has claimed the lives of approximately 2,500 people in Lebanon so far. lives lost.