As U.S. Nears Iran Deal, Israel Pushes on Toward a Familiar Dead End in Lebanon

On 16 April 2026, President Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said he agreed to it. Netanyahu said Trump had asked for the ceasefire and he had responded. Israel will keep troops in Lebanon. The US said the ceasefire may be extended by mutual agreement and aims at a security agreement and lasting peace. Trump said the leaders of Israel and Lebanon would speak for the first time in decades.

Lebanon's prime minister welcomed the ceasefire, as did Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. A Hezbollah MP called direct Lebanon-Israel talks a 'grave error', and Israel's opposition criticised the Trump-enforced ceasefire. Iran's top negotiator claimed credit for it, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf said a ceasefire in Lebanon is 'as important' as one in Iran.