Israel-Lebanon 10-Day Ceasefire Begins Amid Tensions
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jerusalem, April 17 (NationPress) A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon commenced at midnight on Thursday, marking a significant moment following an announcement by US President Donald Trump.
This truce seeks to halt over a month of intense violence involving Israel and Hezbollah, resulting in the loss of more than 2,000 lives.
According to Israel's military, they targeted over 380 Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon in the past 24 hours, which included militants, launchers, and command centers, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Israel's emergency services, Magen David Adom, stated that Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel just hours before the ceasefire began, causing three injuries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a video statement that a 10-km security zone would be enforced in southern Lebanon throughout the ceasefire.
He emphasized security requirements, dismissed the idea of withdrawal, and pointed to a unique opportunity for peace between Israel and Lebanon, along with a call for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Trump announced he would meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House within the next week or two.
Trump remarked, "I believe we will have a meeting," noting that these discussions would be the first in 44 years.
He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Lebanon, stating, "They will manage Hezbollah."
His comments came shortly after he revealed on social media that both countries had consented to a 10-day ceasefire.
The ceasefire is anticipated to halt hostilities that escalated when Israel initiated new operations targeting Hezbollah, which is affiliated with Iran.
While Lebanon is not formally at war with Israel, Hezbollah controls substantial regions of southern Lebanon and has conducted attacks against Israel, leading to retaliatory actions.
Due to its inability to control Hezbollah, Lebanon has suffered significantly from Israeli counterstrikes.
The longevity of the ceasefire is likely contingent on Hezbollah refraining from further aggression.
Although Hezbollah is not explicitly part of the ceasefire agreement, reports suggest the group may cease attacks if Israel also shows restraint.