Netanyahu Efforts were underway to achieve a “historic peace” between Israel and Lebanon after a ceasefire was extended for three weeks, the country said late on Friday, while accusing Hezbollah trying to derail this process.In his first speech since extending the truce, Netanyahu said he had had a “wonderful conversation” with U.S. President Donald Trump and praised Washington’s continued pressure on Iran and close coordination with Israel.“I promise you that we will change the face of the Middle East and that’s what we are doing… He is applying very strong economic and military pressure on Iran. We are fully cooperating,” Netanyahu said.
Ceasefire extended, tensions persist
Trump’s comments came after Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon after talks with senior Israeli and Lebanese officials.“They agreed to extend it for three more weeks… without shooting,” Trump said, warning that Hezbollah remained a key problem.US Vice President Vance described the extension as a “significant and historic moment”, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it would provide more time to work towards a lasting peace.
Hezbollah rejects ceasefire, conflict continues
Despite the postponement, the reality remains tight. According to Reuters, Hezbollah considers the ceasefire “meaningless” due to ongoing Israeli military operations.“It is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to undermine this,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel would maintain “full freedom of action” against the threat.According to Reuters, Israeli attacks and Hezbollah’s response have continued in southern Lebanon even after the ceasefire took effect. Lebanese authorities have reported casualties from recent airstrikes, and Hezbollah has also claimed to have shot down an Israeli drone.
Fragile calm on a large scale regional conflict
The ceasefire reduced large-scale hostilities but did not prevent intermittent violence, with Israeli forces maintaining a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon, Reuters reported.Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance on security, saying: “We launched an attack yesterday and we launched an attack today. We are determined to restore safety to residents of the North. “The truce in Lebanon is playing out alongside broader regional tensions related to the conflict with Iran, complicating diplomatic efforts. While the United States has expressed optimism about a potential breakthrough, ongoing clashes on the ground have highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire.As recriminations and military operations continue, prospects for a lasting deal remain uncertain despite a temporary lull in fighting.
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