Trump Extends Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions, Push for Peace Talks
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that the ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah will be extended by three weeks, following renewed diplomatic engagement and fresh hostilities along the northern border.
The announcement, made on Truth Social, came just hours after Hezbollah launched four rockets toward the Israeli town of Shtula in the Western Galilee—marking the first such escalation in two days. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the rockets were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, with no casualties or damage reported.
Despite the flare-up, Trump described his Oval Office meeting with Israeli and Lebanese representatives as highly productive. “The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,” Trump wrote, calling the discussions “very historic” and expressing optimism about future peace efforts.
The ceasefire extension coincides with a second round of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington—an increasingly rare diplomatic channel between the two nations. According to administration officials, Trump is expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the coming weeks, though such a meeting remains uncertain given internal pressures within Lebanon.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter emphasized Israel’s desire for both peace and security, stating that both nations share a common interest in eliminating Hezbollah’s influence. “We’re united with the Lebanese government in wanting to rid the country of this malign influence,” he said, suggesting that weakening Iran’s regional grip has opened a new window for potential normalization.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh expressed appreciation for U.S. leadership but stopped short of endorsing normalization with Israel. Her remarks reflect the delicate political reality in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains a powerful force and opposition to overt ties with Israel is strong.
On the ground, tensions remain high. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks against Israeli forces in recent days, while Israeli airstrikes have targeted militant infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including reported strikes in Nabatieh and Aita al-Shaab. The ongoing military exchanges underscore the fragility of the ceasefire even as diplomatic efforts intensify.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism, stating that the extension provides a critical window to pursue a “permanent peace.” U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee likened Hezbollah to a disruptive force preventing regional stability, suggesting that removing the group’s influence could unlock broader cooperation.
As negotiations continue, the coming weeks may prove pivotal. With both sides weighing security concerns against the possibility of historic reconciliation, the extended ceasefire offers a fragile but significant opportunity to shift from conflict toward peace.
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