U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday. However, immediate doubts arose over the truce’s sustainability due to disagreements about Israeli forces on the ground and the dismantling of Hezbollah.
As the clock struck midnight local time on Friday, celebratory gunfire erupted across parts of Beirut to mark the ceasefire’s commencement. Rockets were also fired in celebration for about half an hour. Despite the festive atmosphere, the pause in hostilities remained tenuous.
Shortly after the ceasefire took effect, the Lebanese army reported Israeli violations, including intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages. The Israeli military did not immediately respond, but earlier indicated that its forces were still deployed in the area in response to alleged continued Hezbollah militant activity.
Hezbollah issued a detailed statement outlining its military actions against Israel on Thursday, with its last attack occurring just before the ceasefire began. Trump later urged Hezbollah to respect the ceasefire in a social media post.
The ceasefire follows weeks of renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities in Lebanon, extensive destruction, and displacement of more than a million residents. Trump credited “excellent” discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the cessation of hostilities.
The U.S. State Department published the ceasefire agreement details, emphasizing the potential for extension if progress is demonstrated and Lebanon asserts its sovereignty effectively. The agreement mandates Lebanon to prevent attacks by Hezbollah and other armed groups on Israel, while allowing Israel to defend itself against imminent threats but refraining from offensive operations in Lebanon during the 10-day ceasefire.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed Trump’s ceasefire announcement. However, doubts lingered over Hezbollah’s compliance, given their rejection of previous talks and insistence on Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
The ceasefire announcement coincided with the first direct diplomatic discussions between Lebanon and Israel in decades. Hezbollah’s willingness to adhere to the agreement remains uncertain, contingent on Israel halting hostilities.
Hezbollah, a Shia militant group with a political wing, formed in 1982 to combat Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. Designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Canada and the U.S., Hezbollah’s actions have escalated tensions in the region.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, triggered by rocket attacks in solidarity with Iran, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Both sides have suffered losses, with thousands killed or injured in Lebanon and Israel.
The ceasefire, although a temporary respite, faces challenges in ensuring compliance from both parties. The destruction of critical infrastructure and civilian casualties underscore the urgent need for a lasting peace agreement to prevent further escalation in the region.