U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, April 16, according to a post on his Truth Social platform. [1]
Trump stated the truce would begin at 5 p.m. EST (22:00 GMT), following what he described as "excellent conversations" with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. [2]
The announcement was made without prior notification to the Israeli security cabinet, according to subsequent reports. [3]
Details of the Washington Talks
Trump stated that talks held in Washington, D.C. this week were the first direct meeting between the two nations "in 34 years." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio participated in the discussions, according to the president's statement. [2]
In his post, Trump said he had directed U.S. officials to work with both sides toward a "lasting peace." He also claimed the deal would be his "10th" such diplomatic achievement, according to the same statement. [2]
A follow-up post from Trump invited Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House, describing it as the “first meaningful talks” between the two countries since 1983. [2]
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
Trump's announcement did not mention Israel's ongoing war with Hezbollah or its military actions in southern Lebanon. [2] The conflict escalated after Hezbollah fired rockets and mortars at Israel in support of Iran in early March, leading to an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. [4]
Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reported that Israel has killed over 2,000 people and wounded thousands more since March 2, including hundreds of women and children, according to its figures. Around 1.2 million people have been displaced. [2] On Wednesday, April 15, Netanyahu said he had ordered an expansion of military operations, according to his statements reported in the same source. [2]
Reactions and Reported Outrage
Israeli officials reportedly expressed "outrage" after Trump announced the ceasefire ahead of a planned Israeli security cabinet call to discuss a truce, according to reports. [2] Netanyahu told the ministers that the deal would begin “at the request of Trump,” according to a report by Ynet.
He added that Israeli forces would remain in their positions in southern Lebanon, according to the same report. [2] In a separate statement reported by the BBC, Netanyahu confirmed Tel Aviv's participation in the truce but said troops would maintain a 10 kilometer-deep “security zone” in the country's south, adding: “We are there, and we are not leaving.” [5]
Recent Attacks and Casualties
Multiple strikes on the village of Mayfadoun on Wednesday reportedly left four paramedics dead and six others wounded, according to reports. [2] Strikes were also reported near one of the last functioning hospitals in southern Lebanon, in the town of Tebnine, on the same day. [2]
The ceasefire follows a week of intensive Israeli strikes across Lebanon, including what was described as the largest wave of strikes since the conflict began. [2]
Conclusion and Invitation for Further Talks
The ceasefire's implementation and durability remain to be observed, as reports indicated skepticism on the ground in northern Israel and ongoing rocket attacks in the hours before the truce took effect. [3]
The announcement comes amid ongoing international diplomatic efforts, including a recent two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran which did not initially include Lebanon, according to previous reports. [6]
References
- President Trump Announces 10-Day Ceasefire Between Middle Eastern Countries - 100percentfedup.com. April 16, 2026.
- Ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon – Trump - RT News. April 16, 2026.
- Trump's Lebanon ceasefire takes Israel by surprise - BBC News. April 16, 2026.
- Israel-Lebanon ceasefire takes effect: Live updates - RT News. April 16, 2026.
- Israel and Lebanon agree 10-day ceasefire, Trump says - BBC News. April 16, 2026.
- Trump, Vance Contradict Pakistani PM, Say Ceasefire Did Not Include Lebanon - The New American. April 8, 2026.
- U.S. backs Israel's indefinite military presence in Lebanon, sparking regional tensions - NaturalNews.com. Cassie B. March 3, 2025.
- Iranian Officials: Ceasefire Must Include Cessation of Israeli Strikes in Lebanon - NaturalNews.com. April 9, 2026.
- Afro-Asia and contemporary politics - Jagdish P Sharma.
- Mike Adams interview with Ray McGovern - Mike Adams. January 29, 2024.
- Brighteon Broadcast News - CEASEFIRE - Mike Adams - Brighteon.com. Mike Adams. June 24, 2025.
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