Israel and Lebanon begin 10-day ceasefire as US pushes broader deal

Israel and Lebanon began a 10-day ceasefire on Thursday that could ease some of the tension straining Washington’s temporary truce with Tehran.

Announcing the ceasefire, which came into effect at 5pm EST, US President Donald Trump said it followed what he described as “excellent conversations” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

“These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries,” he wrote on social media.

In a separate post, Trump said he would be inviting the leaders from the two countries to the White House for “the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983” and that “both sides want to see PEACE”.

“I believe that will happen, quickly!” he added.

02:00

Grieving families in Beirut hospital identify bodies after deadliest day of war

Grieving families in Beirut hospital identify bodies after deadliest day of war

The development may help defuse a key sticking point in Trump’s broader truce with Iran, with Tehran earlier insisting that the truce be extended to Lebanon. Washington had rejected that demand.