A temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon commenced at midnight Israel time on April 16, 2026, following intensive diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ten-day pause in hostilities between the neighboring countries.
The U.S. State Department outlined key provisions of the agreement, which allows Israel to maintain its defensive capabilities while stationed in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces can continue responding to what officials describe as “planned, imminent, or ongoing threats” without violating the ceasefire terms. However, Israel has committed to halting offensive operations targeting Lebanese civilian, military, or government facilities by land, air, or sea.
Under the framework, Lebanon’s government must work with international partners to stop Hezbollah and other militant organizations from launching attacks or conducting hostile actions against Israeli positions. The deal emphasizes that Lebanese security forces hold exclusive responsibility for maintaining the nation’s sovereignty and security without outside guarantees.
Both countries have asked Washington to continue mediating unresolved matters, particularly establishing clear international border boundaries, with hopes of achieving what negotiators call “lasting stability and peace between the two countries.”
Fighting persisted right up until the ceasefire deadline, with both Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants trading strikes near the border region. Lebanese military officials reported shelling incidents early Friday morning that they claimed breached the newly established truce.
President Donald Trump celebrated the diplomatic breakthrough on his Truth Social platform, calling it a “historic” development for Lebanon and posting “Good things are happening!!!” The President also expressed hope that “Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time.”
