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A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect at midnight local time (21:00 GMT on Thursday), following an announcement by US President Donald Trump. The truce, mediated by the United States, was announced after Trump held separate phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, as reported by multiple outlets including Al Jazeera, the Jerusalem Post, and TASS.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the ceasefire varied across outlets, with some focusing on the announcement itself, while others highlighted immediate challenges and reactions. Al Jazeera provided breaking news coverage of the announcement and later reported on the ceasefire's implementation, noting that the situation on the ground remained "quite intense" according to their correspondent in Tyre. The Jerusalem Post emphasized Israel's perspective, reporting that IDF forces stationed in Lebanon would remain in their positions up to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, and that Trump invited both leaders to the White House for direct talks. TASS, the Russian state news agency, carried the announcement and also relayed the UN Secretary-General's welcome of the ceasefire. France 24 reported that Lebanon's army had reported "acts of aggression" by Israel that it said violated the ceasefire agreement, a claim not mentioned in other sources.

Key Claims

  • Ceasefire announcement and terms: President Trump announced the 10-day ceasefire via a Truth Social post, stating that "these two leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST." This was reported consistently by Al Jazeera, Jerusalem Post, TASS, and The Hindu.
  • Timing and implementation: The ceasefire began at midnight local time (Israel time), which corresponded to 21:00 GMT on Thursday, as confirmed by multiple sources including Al Jazeera and TASS, citing IDF Radio Galei Zahal.
  • Pre-ceasefire hostilities: In the 24 hours preceding the truce, the IDF struck more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, according to TASS, citing the IDF. Separately, Al Jazeera reported that Hezbollah struck Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel hours before the ceasefire announcement, with no casualties reported.
  • IDF positioning: The Jerusalem Post reported that IDF forces stationed in Lebanon would remain in their positions, up to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, throughout the ceasefire. A separate Jerusalem Post report, citing N12, said that IDF officers in southern Lebanon were not informed about the ceasefire and learned of it via foreign media and Telegram posts. The IDF's position is to continue holding captured Lebanese territory, with Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir approving operational plans to deepen operations if needed.
  • International reaction: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and urged all parties to respect it, commending the US role in facilitating the deal, as reported by TASS. Guterres expressed hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for negotiations and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
  • White House invitation: Trump invited Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House for what the Jerusalem Post described as the first direct talks between the leaders of Lebanon and Israel since 1983.

Perspectives

US/Trump administration perspective: President Trump framed the ceasefire as a step toward peace, stating that "both sides want to see peace, and I believe that will happen, quickly!" He also expressed hope that Hezbollah would "act nicely and well during this important period of time." This perspective is reflected in TASS's coverage of Trump's Truth Social posts.

Israeli military perspective: The Jerusalem Post reports indicate that IDF officers on the ground were caught off guard by the ceasefire, with one officer stating, "We were not updated regarding the cessation of hostilities. These are the most dangerous hours for us." The IDF maintains it will continue to hold captured territory and remains on high alert, with five divisions operating in southern Lebanon awaiting orders.

Lebanese perspective: France 24 reported that Lebanon's army accused Israel of "acts of aggression" that violated the ceasefire soon after it went into effect. This claim was not corroborated by other sources in the provided coverage.

UN perspective: The UN Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire as a potential step toward a lasting solution, urging all parties to comply with international law and fully implement Security Council Resolution 1701.

Critical commentary: Political commentator Abed Abou Shhadeh, based in Israel, described the ceasefire as "extremely problematic, not only for Netanyahu, but for the Israeli public who were promised for two and a half years now, absolute victory." This critical viewpoint was carried by Al Jazeera.