Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire for another three weeks after high-level talks at the White House. The original 10-day truce, which began last Friday, was set to expire Monday, but both sides chose to continue the pause despite accusations of repeated violations.
The talks are significant because they mark the first direct diplomatic contact between Israel and Lebanon in decades. Officials described the meeting as productive, with Trump saying there is a “very good chance” the two sides could reach a broader peace agreement later this year. The conflict with Hezbollah remains one of the biggest obstacles to long-term stability.
At the same time, tensions remain high across the region. Trump also issued a hardline warning over the Strait of Hormuz, saying any threats or attacks in the strategic waterway would face an immediate military response. The strait is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, meaning any escalation could have global economic consequences.
For now, the ceasefire extension offers a temporary pause in fighting, but the wider Middle East remains tense as negotiations continue.
Sources: CNN, L’Orient Today, AP
