US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah group had reached an understanding to cease attacks against each other. Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social that he had "a very productive call" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and received assurances that Tel Aviv would not send troops to the Lebanese capital Beirut.
Key Details of the Understanding
"There will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back," Trump said. The US president claimed that through senior intermediaries, he had communicated with Hezbollah and secured a commitment to bring hostilities to a halt.
"Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop — That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel," he added.
Context of Ongoing Conflict
Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17, which was extended for 45 days following indirect talks mediated by the US. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed more than 3,400 people across the country.
During his phone call with Netanyahu, Trump said he told him "not to go into a major raid" of Beirut. "He turned his Troops around. Thank you Bibi!" Trump wrote in a separate post.
Fragile Arrangement
Without providing names, Trump said he had a conversation with representatives of the leaders of Hezbollah, "and they agreed to stop shooting at Israel, and its soldiers. Likewise, Israel agreed to stop shooting at them." He suggested the arrangement could be fragile, adding: "Let's see how long that lasts — Hopefully it will be for eternity!"
