The announcement coincided with a new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire, even as violations continued on the ground.
By United with Israel Staff
President Donald Trump announced Thursday night that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks, as renewed fighting on the northern border cast doubt on the stability of the agreement.
The decision came shortly after Hezbollah launched a rocket barrage toward Israel’s Western Galilee, including the area of Shtula. The IDF said multiple projectiles crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory and were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, with sirens activated in accordance with policy.
Hezbollah later claimed responsibility, describing the attack as a response to alleged Israeli violations. The group has breached the ceasefire at least seven times in recent days.
Trump said the extension followed a meeting in the Oval Office with senior U.S. officials and representatives from Israel and Lebanon.
“The meeting went very well,” Trump wrote, adding that the United States will work with Lebanon to help it “protect itself from Hezbollah.” He also said he expects to host Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the near future.
The announcement coincided with a new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire, even as violations continued on the ground.
In response to the escalation, the IDF said it struck two launchers prepared for use and eliminated three terrorists attempting to fire anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli aircraft in southern Lebanon.
In a separate incident, terrorists launched an explosive drone toward IDF forces, lightly wounding a reservist soldier. Additional rocket fire was reported toward Israeli troops operating south of the forward defense line, with some projectiles intercepted and others landing nearby.
On Friday morning, the IDF said it carried out further strikes on Hezbollah military infrastructure in the areas of Khirbet Selm and Toulin in southern Lebanon. The military said the sites were used to plan attacks against Israeli forces and civilians, and that the strikes were conducted in response to the rocket fire toward Shtula.
The IDF said it will continue to act against threats in accordance with directives from Israel’s political leadership.
The latest developments reflect the gap between diplomatic efforts and realities on the ground, leaving the ceasefire under continued strain.
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