President Donald Trump announced on Friday, April 24, 2026, that he is extending the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel for three weeks, coinciding with the launch of direct talks between the two sides at the White House.
The extension follows what Trump described as “excellent talks” with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he said had agreed to begin a formal 10-day truce starting at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.
Trump added that the two leaders had met for the first time in 34 years in Washington, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio facilitating the discussion.
He expressed optimism about the prospects for a broader agreement, calling the Lebanon-Israel peace file “relatively easy” compared to other regional and international issues currently under review by his administration.
Trump also said he looks forward to hosting both Netanyahu and Aoun at the White House in the near future to further solidify the understandings reached during recent negotiations and to finalize a sustainable peace deal.
The announcement underscores ongoing U.S. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions along Israel’s northern border and stabilize the region amid broader geopolitical challenges.
