A fragile ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Lebanon after US President Donald Trump called on Israel to halt attacks. The decision has sparked a strong reaction in Tel Aviv, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – according to Axios – expressing “shock” at the US president’s statement and demanding clarification from the White House.
Trump wrote on the Truth Network that Israel will no longer bomb Lebanon, noting that he himself had stopped the move. The statement comes as the 45-day war between the sides has left more than 2,200 dead.
The ceasefire is linked to efforts to restart negotiations in Washington. According to the points published by the US State Department, the agreement could be extended if progress is made in the talks. Israel is recognized as having the right to self-defense against planned attacks, but the Israeli army must stop offensive operations on Lebanese territory.
On the other hand, Beirut must take concrete measures to stop Hezbollah attacks, while the Lebanese army is considered responsible for the country's sovereignty and defense.
However, even the first day of the ceasefire has been accompanied by tensions: in southern Lebanon, at least one person was reported killed by an Israeli drone, while Shiite militants said they had responded by targeting Israeli soldiers.
Hezbollah warned that its fighters remain on alert and that they will "keep their finger on the trigger," making it clear that the ceasefire remains very fragile.
