Trump announces 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel to begin at midnight

CAIRO – 16 April 2026: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a 10-day ceasefire has been reached between Lebanon and Israel, set to take effect at midnight.

Trump indicated that he had spoken with both the Lebanese President and the Israeli Prime Minister, and has since instructed his Vice President and Secretary of State to coordinate with both sides to work toward a permanent resolution.

President Trump affirmed that both Lebanon and Israel desire peace, expressing his belief that a lasting agreement could be reached soon. He called for continued efforts to secure a durable end to the conflict.

Furthermore, Trump announced that he would invite the Israeli Prime Minister and the Lebanese President to the White House for the first round of serious, direct negotiations between the two parties.

For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefire announcement, emphasizing that such a pause had been a Lebanese demand since the first day of the conflict. He reiterated Beirut’s full support for ongoing diplomatic efforts.

In his remarks, Salam described the development as an achievement for all Lebanese people, expressing hope that it would usher in a new era of stability and security.

Salam praised the regional and international efforts that contributed to the declaration, specifically highlighting the roles played by the United States, France, and the European Union, alongside several Arab nations—most notably Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan.

He also offered his condolences to the families of the martyrs, affirming his solidarity with the wounded and the citizens displaced from their cities and villages, expressing his hope for their swift return to their homes.