Trump announces Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, invites Netanyahu, Joseph Aoun to White House

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he had invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House. He stated that, after conversations with both leaders, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire deal. The resulting 10-day truce is expected to begin at 5 p.m. EST. 

Trump said on Truth Social that he directed Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine to "work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a lasting peace." "I will be inviting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, to the White House for the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1983," he wrote. "Both sides want to see PEACE, and I believe that will happen, quickly!"  

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed news of the ceasefire, urging all parties to forge a path to permanent peace. "I welcome the announced 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by President Trump," she wrote on X. "This is a relief, as this conflict has already claimed far too many lives. Now, we need not just a temporary pause, but a path to permanent peace." She mentioned that Europe has called for the respect of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that Lebanon would be supported through humanitarian aid.

Talking to reporters on Thursday, President Trump reiterated that he had a "great talk" with the heads of Israel and Lebanon. "They're going to be having a ceasefire, and that'll include Hezbollah, and I think it could be number 10 for me," he said, referring to the numerous wars he takes credit for stopping. The President assured that the leaders of Lebanon and Israel will meet, probably at the White House, "over the next week or two." 

The Iran-U.S. ceasefire mediated by Pakistan faced Tehran's resistance over continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Trump's announcement could ease matters before U.S. and Iranian delegates sit for another round of talks. Providing an update on negotiations, President Trump said that the Hormuz blockade has been successful and "we're making a lot of progress." "Iran wants to make a deal. And we're dealing very nicely with them," Trump added. However, after claiming that Iran's "new set of leaders" are "very reasonable," Trump cautioned, "If there's no deal, fighting continues."