Arabic version: ترامب يعلن عن هدنة بين حزب الله وإسرائيل وسط استمرار العنف
United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire in a significant effort to de-escalate hostilities. This announcement comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut, indicating that military operations would continue unless Hezbollah ceased its attacks on Israeli cities. According to Al Jazeera, the situation has been complicated by warnings from Iran, with chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stating that negotiations with the US could be halted if Israel’s military campaign persists.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the ceasefire terms with the US extend to Lebanon, warning that any violations could jeopardize the broader agreement and have repercussions for both the US and Israel. Trump characterized the commitments from both parties as a diplomatic breakthrough, suggesting that it could prevent a wider Israeli offensive towards Beirut and maintain momentum in regional negotiations.
Despite these claims, Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett noted that there remains a significant gap between the optimism expressed by Washington and the rhetoric from Israel, which could jeopardize the fragile progress made.
In the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s management of the conflict, expressing concern over the risks posed to US troops and the economic strain on Americans due to rising fuel prices. He vowed that Democrats would persist in their efforts to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called for an immediate halt to US military aid to Israel, accusing the nation of committing atrocities in Lebanon similar to those seen in Gaza.
In Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged defiance against US pressure to halt attacks, insisting that military operations against Hezbollah should continue. Security analysts suggest that Netanyahu is under pressure to achieve strategic gains before any potential ceasefire, as Israel’s recent tactical successes have not translated into significant strategic advantages.
As violence continues, Israeli air attacks were reported in southern Lebanon, injuring civilians, while Hezbollah claimed to have conducted multiple operations in response, citing violations of the ceasefire agreement.
