Lebanon: A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, officially took effect at 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The U.S. State Department released a six-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the terms, which frame the truce as a “gesture of goodwill” from Israel to facilitate direct negotiations for a permanent peace agreement. While the ceasefire halts offensive operations, the document explicitly preserves Israel’s right to take all necessary measures in self-defense against “planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks” at any time.
Despite the cessation of hostilities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Friday that Israeli forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon. Instead, the IDF will maintain an “expanded security zone” extending at least 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanese territory to prevent infiltrations and anti-tank missile fire. Netanyahu described this deployment as a position of strength, essential for Israel’s primary demands: the disarmament of Hezbollah and a sustainable peace treaty. Under the MOU, the Lebanese government is tasked with curbing all “rogue non-state armed groups,” including Hezbollah, from carrying out hostile activities against Israeli targets.
In Beirut, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri issued a cautious advisory to displaced residents of southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, urging them to delay their return home. Berri emphasized that personal safety remains the foremost duty as the situation on the ground remains volatile. Meanwhile, the U.S. will continue to facilitate direct dialogue in Washington, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosting delegations to resolve long-standing issues, including the demarcation of the international land boundary. The initial 10-day period may be extended by mutual agreement if diplomatic progress is demonstrated.
