Trump declares Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

“I will be inviting Bibi Netanyahu and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, to the White House for the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983,” Trump wrote.

By World Israel News Staff

In a dramatic post on Truth Social Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

“I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel,” Trump wrote, adding that both leaders “have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE… they will formally begin a 10 DAY CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST.”

Trump also pointed to recent efforts in Washington, noting that “on Tuesday, the two Countries met for the first time in 34 years… with our Great Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.” The meeting marked a rare direct engagement between Israeli and Lebanese representatives.

Trump quickly followed up with a second post, saying he plans to bring both leaders to Washington. “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,” he wrote, adding that “both sides want to see PEACE.”

The announcement comes as tensions remain high along Israel’s northern border. Authorities in the Merom HaGalil Regional Council warned residents that “in the coming hours, the likelihood of fire toward the northern area is increasing,” urging the public to follow Home Front Command instructions.

At the same time, an Israeli official told Reuters that the military has no plans to withdraw from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire, underscoring ongoing security concerns despite the diplomatic push.

According to the president, he has tasked senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Rubio, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, “to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE.”

Earlier Thursday, a wave of conflicting reports highlighted the fragility of those efforts. While Trump initially suggested direct leader-to-leader contact was imminent, Lebanese officials denied any such plan, and later reports indicated that although Aoun spoke with Rubio, he refused to engage directly with Netanyahu despite U.S. pressure to facilitate a three-way call.

Despite the optimistic tone, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with Israeli communities in the north preparing for possible escalation even as diplomatic efforts intensify.