The leaders of Israel and Lebanon have agreed on a 10-day ceasefire from 17:00 EST (21:00 GMT; midnight local time), according to US President Donald Trump.
This truce comes as Israel and Hezbollah engage in a brutal conflict in southern Lebanon, which has lasted for six weeks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israel's commitment to the ceasefire but insisted that troops would maintain a 10-kilometer security zone in southern Israel, stating: We are there, and we are not leaving. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has voiced its willingness to participate, provided the ceasefire ensures a comprehensive halt to attacks across all Lebanese territory and no free movement for Israeli forces.
The fighting began on March 2, following a joint US-Israel attack against Iran, prompting Hezbollah to retaliate against northern Israel for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
As of now, the war has resulted in more than 2,000 reported fatalities in Lebanon and substantial displacement of civilians. At least 13 Israeli soldiers have also lost their lives in combat.
US efforts have led to direct consultations in Washington, aiming to ease tensions. Netanyahu described the ceasefire as an opportunity for a historic peace agreement, although he reiterated that Israeli forces must remain to counter threats from Hezbollah.
While the ceasefire may bring temporary respite, dilemmas around disarming Hezbollah remain a crucial point for future discussions.
Trump expressed confidence that Lebanon would manage the situation with Hezbollah as both nations look towards substantive negotiations in the coming weeks.
