Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, describing it as a historic step and signalling possible direct talks between the two sides in Washington. The development followed an Oval Office meeting attended by senior officials from both countries, including Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter.
“They’ve agreed to an additional three weeks of… ceasefire, no more firing,” Trump said, adding that leaders from both nations could visit Washington in the coming weeks.
Vice President JD Vance called the move “a major historic moment,” crediting “the President’s direct engagement” for bringing the two sides together. He said the extension gives both countries space to pursue a longer-term settlement.
Officials at the meeting stressed that Israel and Lebanon share a common security concern in Hezbollah. One senior official said both countries “are victimized by the same terrorist organization,” expressing hope that the ceasefire could lead to “a permanent peace between two countries.”
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said Israel “wants peace… and security for citizens,” adding that both governments are “united… wanting to rid the country of this malign influence called Hizballah.” Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad welcomed US support, saying, “with your help, with your support, we can make Lebanon” stable again, pointing to the country’s fragile political and economic situation.
Trump linked the ceasefire push to broader regional diplomacy, including US efforts related to Iran. He said the Israel-Lebanon track “should be an easy one relative to some of the things we’re working on,” noting that both sides are aligned against a common threat.
