By Gloria Ogbonna
President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, following high-level peace discussions at the White House that he described as “historic” and potentially transformative for the region.
The announcement came after Trump personally hosted senior Israeli and Lebanese officials in the Oval Office, marking the second round of U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at de-escalating months of cross-border tensions. The extension formally lengthens the ceasefire agreement and, according to administration officials, creates a critical window to pursue a more permanent diplomatic solution.
Trump characterized the meeting as “a great success,” saying it could represent “the beginning of something very important.” He emphasized that the United States would continue working closely with Lebanon to strengthen its ability to secure its territory against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group at the center of the conflict.
Second Round of Direct Engagement
The White House session followed an earlier round of talks on April 14 — the first direct engagement between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in decades. That initial meeting resulted in a 10-day ceasefire agreement, which the new extension now builds upon.
After Thursday’s discussions, Trump appeared alongside senior U.S. officials and foreign envoys to outline the next phase of the diplomatic effort. Marco Rubio credited Trump’s direct involvement for breaking through longstanding barriers, saying the president’s engagement “made it possible” to extend the ceasefire and move the sides closer to what he described as a “permanent peace.”
Rubio noted that the additional three weeks provide negotiators time to address outstanding issues and solidify commitments. “This gives everybody space to continue the work toward a lasting agreement between two countries that want to be in peace,” he said, expressing optimism that tangible progress could be achieved soon.
Vice President JD Vance called the talks “a major, historic moment,” arguing that Trump’s leadership had created a rare opportunity to align interests in a region long defined by instability.
Diplomats Express Cautious Optimism
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, stressed that Israel seeks both peace and security for its citizens. He highlighted what he described as a shared interest between Israel and Lebanon in countering Hezbollah’s influence, adding that regional shifts — including what he characterized as a weakening of Iran’s posture — could open new diplomatic possibilities.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee framed the conflict in blunt terms: “The problem is not Lebanon; the problem is not Israel. The problem is Hezbollah,” he said, underscoring Washington’s position that the militant group remains the central obstacle to long-term stability.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa described the moment as decades in the making, suggesting the talks could represent a turning point in efforts to reshape Israeli-Lebanese relations. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad echoed that sentiment, thanking the United States for facilitating the dialogue and calling the meeting a “historic moment.”
Tensions Persist on the Ground
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, hostilities have not entirely subsided. Rockets were reportedly launched from Lebanese territory toward northern Israel during the talks, though Israeli defense systems intercepted them and no casualties were reported. The incident served as a reminder of the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
Trump reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, saying any military response would be conducted “carefully” and in a “surgical” manner to avoid further escalation. He also emphasized that broader regional peace would require Iran to cease its support for Hezbollah, stating unequivocally that ending such backing “is a must” for any durable agreement.
Looking Ahead
The president indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are expected to visit Washington in the coming weeks — potentially within the newly extended ceasefire period — as negotiations continue.
“I think there’s a very good chance of having peace,” Trump said, pointing to what he described as a rare convergence of interests between Israel and Lebanon in confronting Hezbollah’s influence.
While significant challenges remain, administration officials say the extension represents a meaningful step toward de-escalation and could lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive agreement if momentum continues.
Source Breitbart
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