Washington, DC, April 17 (ANI): In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the United States has facilitated the first high-level engagement between Israel and Lebanon in more than three decades, alongside brokering a 10-day ceasefire aimed at paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.
The renewed diplomatic push began earlier this week when Washington hosted a trilateral meeting involving senior officials from the United States, Israel, and Lebanon—the first such engagement since 1993. The talks focused on initiating direct negotiations, enhancing security cooperation, and laying the groundwork for a broader peace framework.
US President Donald Trump described the development as “historic,” saying the talks were intended to create “a little breathing room” between the two sides after years of intermittent conflict, particularly involving Hezbollah along the Israel–Lebanon border. He expressed optimism that negotiations could lead to a lasting agreement, potentially within weeks.
The discussions were attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior diplomats, alongside representatives from both Israel and Lebanon. The United States welcomed the meeting as a milestone and reiterated support for Lebanon’s efforts to assert full sovereignty and curb the influence of non-state armed groups.
Washington emphasized that any ceasefire or long-term arrangement must be negotiated directly between the governments of Israel and Lebanon, with US facilitation, and not through separate channels. Officials also highlighted the economic potential of a peace deal, noting that successful negotiations could unlock reconstruction aid for Lebanon and boost regional investment.
Following intensive diplomacy, a US-brokered ceasefire came into effect at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday. According to a memorandum of understanding outlined in a six-point US statement, the truce is intended as a goodwill measure to support ongoing negotiations toward a permanent security arrangement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel has committed to halting offensive military operations in Lebanon across land, air, and sea. However, it retains the right to act in self-defence against imminent or ongoing threats. The ceasefire may be extended by mutual agreement, depending on progress in negotiations and Lebanon’s ability to enforce internal security.
The agreement places responsibility on Lebanon to prevent attacks by Hezbollah and other armed groups operating within its territory, reinforcing the role of Lebanese national forces as the sole authority responsible for the country’s sovereignty and defense.
Israel has reiterated its position that any long-term agreement must include the disarmament of non-state armed groups and the dismantling of militant infrastructure in Lebanon. It has also affirmed its readiness to engage in direct negotiations to resolve outstanding disputes and achieve durable peace.
Lebanon, for its part, has called for the full implementation of the November 2024 cessation of hostilities and stressed the importance of territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Lebanese officials have also underscored the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged conflict.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain on the ground. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would maintain a presence in a 10-kilometre security zone in southern Lebanon during the truce to prevent infiltration and attacks. Meanwhile, reports from Lebanon indicated sporadic artillery fire and aerial surveillance activity shortly after the ceasefire took effect.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has urged displaced residents to delay returning to southern areas due to ongoing safety concerns, as uncertainty persists over the stability of the ceasefire.
President Trump, commenting after the truce began, expressed hope that Hezbollah would “act responsibly” during the ceasefire period, calling it a critical opportunity to end hostilities and move toward lasting peace.
While challenges remain, all parties have agreed to continue direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue, raising cautious optimism that the current diplomatic momentum could lead to a long-sought resolution and greater stability in the region.
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