Israel and Lebanon Agree to 10-Day Ceasefire: Key Details and Reactions

Fri Apr 17 2026 10:30:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a significant political development, a 10-day ceasefire has been announced between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by the U.S. This agreement aims to pave the way for further negotiations amidst a backdrop of ongoing violence.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which began on April 16, 2026. The ceasefire includes provisions for continued talks, but Israel insists on maintaining a buffer zone. Leaders from both countries express hope for a lasting peace, while Hezbollah calls for broader terms.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, which took effect from 17:00 EST (21:00 GMT; midnight local time) on 16 April.

There was no mention in Trump's statement of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, with which Israel has been exchanging fire for the past six weeks. However, in a later post on Truth Social, Trump urged the group to abide by the ceasefire, saying, I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time.

Following the announcement, the U.S. president also invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for further talks.

Here is what we know about the truce.

What does the agreement say?

The terms of the deal specify that the ceasefire is set to last 10 days, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement if negotiations show signs of progress.

According to further details provided by the U.S. State Department:

Israel retains its right to take all necessary measures in self-defence, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks

Lebanon must take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other rogue non-state armed groups from attacking Israeli targets

Those involved recognize that Lebanon's security forces have exclusive responsibility for Lebanon's security

Israel and Lebanon requested that the U.S. continue to facilitate further direct talks with the objective of resolving all remaining issues

The statement added that the truce was a gesture of goodwill by Israel intended to enable good-faith negotiations towards a permanent security and peace agreement between the two parties.

What have the various sides said about it?

Israel and Lebanon's leaders have both welcomed the truce, with Netanyahu calling it an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed hope that the agreement will allow those displaced by the conflict to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has signalled a willingness to participate in the ceasefire, but emphasized that it must include a comprehensive halt to attacks across Lebanon and no freedom of movement for Israeli forces.

The Iran-backed group, while deeply embedded in Lebanon, is not part of the Lebanese government's security apparatus.

Iran's foreign ministry welcomed the ceasefire, noting their solidarity with Lebanon, while UN Secretary General António Guterres commended the U.S. role in facilitating the ceasefire and urged all parties to respect international law.

What is Israel's buffer zone?

Despite the agreement, Netanyahu stated that Israeli troops would maintain a 10km-deep (6.2 mile) security zone in southern Lebanon. He reiterated that this buffer zone is necessary to block the danger of invasion.

Israel re-entered southern Lebanon following strikes by Hezbollah in early March, citing the need to protect communities in northern Israel. A previous ceasefire deal had already seen ongoing cross-border strikes.

How was it negotiated?

Israel and Lebanon held rare direct talks in Washington earlier in the week. Trump's announcement came after excellent conversations with Aoun and Netanyahu but did not specify Hezbollah's involvement in the talks.