WASHINGTON / JERUSALEM / BEIRUT – A fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at midnight local time (21:00 GMT Thursday), marking a pivotal moment in the seven-week regional war.
US President Donald Trump, who brokered the deal via high-stakes phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, has already signaled his next move: a historic summit at the White House to turn the truce into a lasting peace.
The Washington Summit: A "First" in Diplomacy
In a series of posts on Truth Social, President Trump confirmed that he has invited Netanyahu and Aoun to Washington within the next four to five days.
"Both sides want to see PEACE, and I believe that will happen, quickly!" Trump wrote. He has directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to spearhead the negotiations, framing the effort as his 10th successful resolution of a global conflict.
On the Ground: A Bitter Final Hour
The truce began under a cloud of smoke and sirens. Just hours before the midnight deadline:
Casualties in Lebanon: An Israeli airstrike on the southern town of Ghazieh killed seven people and wounded 33, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Rocket Fire in Israel: Hezbollah launched a final barrage into northern Israel, injuring three people, including two seriously, in the Karmiel and Nahariya areas.
Early Violations: By Friday morning, the Lebanese Army reported "acts of aggression" and intermittent shelling by Israeli forces in southern villages, urging returning civilians to exercise extreme caution.
The "Security Zone" Standoff
While the ceasefire is in effect, the military reality on the ground has not shifted. Netanyahu has remained firm that Israeli troops will not withdraw, instead maintaining an "expanded security zone" roughly 10km (6.2 miles) deep into Lebanese territory.
"We are there, and we are not leaving," Netanyahu stated in a video address, insisting that Hezbollah's disarmament remains a non-negotiable precondition for any permanent settlement.
Global Impact: Oil Markets and the Iran "Big Picture"
The 10-day window is seen by many as a litmus test for the broader U.S.-Iran conflict:
Oil Prices: Markets responded with a sigh of relief as Brent crude fell below $99 a barrel on Friday morning in Asia.
The Iran Link: Tehran has voiced support for the Lebanon truce, viewing it as a necessary component of the ongoing Pakistan-mediated negotiations with Washington.
Trump himself stated on Friday that the war in Iran is "going along swimmingly" and should be ending "pretty soon." UN Reaction: Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the truce, commending the U.S. for its mediation while urging all parties to respect international law.
As thousands of displaced Lebanese families clog the coastal highways to return to their homes, the world remains focused on Washington. The coming days will determine if the "breathing room" provided by this 10-day pause can be forged into a historic regional realignment.
👉READ MORE
https://thereporter24.com/news/netanyahu-bypasses-cabinet-in-surprise-ceasefire-announcement-ministers-fume-at-trump-s-ultimatum
No comments: