10-Day Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Comes Into Effect After Weeks of Fighting

A fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force at midnight Friday, following intense diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump to halt weeks of escalating violence in the region.

The breakthrough came after high-level talks in Washington, D.C. , where representatives from both countries engaged in rare direct negotiations their first in decades. These discussions were facilitated and strongly pushed by the United States, which has been seeking to contain the wider regional fallout from the ongoing tensions involving Iran.

According to diplomatic sources, Trump held separate conversations with Israeli and Lebanese leadership before bringing both sides to the negotiating table. His administration framed the ceasefire as an urgent necessity to prevent further escalation, especially after the conflict began spilling beyond border skirmishes into a broader regional crisis involving the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

The talks primarily focused on three key areas : an immediate halt to hostilities, prevention of cross-border rocket attacks, and creating a pathway for broader de-escalation. While Israel insisted on retaining the right to act against threats, Lebanon agreed to work toward restraining armed groups operating from its territory.

Trump’s role has been described as central and interventionist , with the US acting as the primary mediator and pressure point. By leveraging diplomatic and strategic ties with Israel, alongside coordination with Lebanese authorities and international stakeholders, Washington managed to secure a time-bound truce aimed at stabilising the situation.

The ceasefire also reflects wider geopolitical calculations. The United States is attempting to extend de-escalation efforts across the region , particularly in relation to the Iran-Israel tensions that have disrupted global oil supplies and heightened fears of a prolonged conflict.

However, the agreement remains fragile . In the final hours before it took effect, both sides exchanged fire, with Israel striking Hezbollah positions and rocket sirens sounding in northern Israeli areas. This underlines the challenges faced during the talks, where deep mistrust and security concerns dominated discussions.

While the ceasefire marks a significant diplomatic opening , officials caution that it is only a temporary pause. Its success will depend on continued engagement, adherence by all parties especially Hezbollah and whether the United States can sustain momentum toward a more durable political solution.

For now, the talks brokered by Trump have brought a brief halt to hostilities , but the long-term outcome remains uncertain in a deeply volatile region.