WASHINGTON, April 16, 2026 (WAFA) – US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

Referring to  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump said on his Truth Social network: “These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST."

In a follow-up, President Trump said: “I will be inviting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, to the White House for the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983, a very long time ago. Both sides want to see PEACE, and I believe that will happen, quickly!" he later added.

He pointed out that he has ​directed US ⁠Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Chairman ​of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan ​Caine ⁠to work with the two countries to achieve lasting peace.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu has agreed to the ceasefire, although his phone call with cabinet members has ended without a vote, as reported by Ynet News.

The Lebanese Presidency announced that US President Trump had a phone call on Thursday afternoon with his Lebanese counterpart, Aoun. During the call, President Aoun expressed his gratitude to President Trump for his efforts to reach a ceasefire and bring about permanent peace and stability as a prelude to a peace process in the region.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefire agreement with Israel, describing it as a primary national objective.

In a statement, Salam said that securing a ceasefire has been a Lebanese demand that officials have pursued since the first day of the war.

He expressed hopes that all Lebanese displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon would be able to return as soon as possible.

K.F.