Israel–Lebanon Ceasefire Takes Effect Following Heavy Rocket Fire

Netanyahu stressed that Israel rejected Hezbollah’s conditions for a full withdrawal and a “quiet for quiet” arrangement, and will maintain its military posture inside Lebanon.

By United with Israel Staff

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight Thursday, following weeks of intense fighting and a final wave of Hezbollah rocket fire on northern Israel.

In the hours leading up to the truce, Hezbollah launched heavy barrages toward communities including Nahariya and Karmiel, causing serious injuries and widespread damage.

The agreement, announced earlier by President Donald Trump, is intended to open a window for diplomacy, with plans to bring Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese president Joseph Aoun to Washington for talks.

Netanyahu framed the ceasefire as a strategic opportunity rather than a concession.

“We have an opportunity to achieve a historic peace agreement with Lebanon,” he said, noting that renewed diplomatic engagement followed direct outreach from Beirut after what he described as a fundamental shift in the balance of power.

“We changed the balance of power in Lebanon from the ground up,” Netanyahu said, pointing to Israeli operations against Hezbollah, including strikes on its weapons stockpiles and leadership. “That is what led to calls for direct talks for the first time in over 40 years.”

He said Israel agreed to a temporary pause in fighting to advance those discussions, but made clear that core demands remain unchanged.

“For these talks, we have two fundamental requirements: the disarmament of Hezbollah and a sustainable peace — peace through strength.”

Netanyahu stressed that Israel rejected Hezbollah’s conditions for a full withdrawal and a “quiet for quiet” arrangement, and will maintain its military posture inside Lebanon.

“We are remaining in Lebanon in an expanded security zone 10 kilometers wide. Much stronger, more powerful, more continuous, and more solid than what we had before,” he said, adding that the deployment is designed to block infiltration and prevent anti-tank fire on northern communities.

He cautioned that the threat is not fully eliminated.

“There are still rockets that they have left. We will need to address that as part of progress toward a security agreement and a lasting peace agreement.”

Netanyahu also said he spoke with Trump in recent days, describing the US president as “strongly determined” to continue pressure on Iran, including maintaining the naval blockade and dismantling remaining elements of its nuclear program.