explainer
Celebrations are held in Lebanon as a 10-day ceasefire begins, opening the door to negotiations for a long-term agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Published April 17, 2026
Celebrations are reported in Lebanon after a 10-day ceasefire went into effect, paving the way for talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials toward a long-term agreement, according to the US State Department.
US President Donald Trump says a deal to end the war with Iran is “very close”, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry welcomes the ceasefire as part of broader efforts with the US to pause regional conflict.
Here’s what we know:
in iran
Deal ‘very close’: President Trump says a deal to end the war on Iran is close and the next round of talks could take place this weekend in Islamabad. ‘Despite progress, rifts remain’: Tehran-based analyst Abbas Asrani said while progress has been made in negotiations between the US and Iran, key differences remain as President Trump appears to be seeking an ‘exit’ from the conflict and both sides are preparing for a negotiated agreement or a return to war.
in the US
President Trump expects Hezbollah to ‘do well’: President Trump said Thursday that he expects Hezbollah to ‘do well’ during the 10-day cease-fire.
Trump also extended his invitation to the White House: “I invite Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House,” Trump said on his Truth social network.
President Trump scoffs at oil price warning: Speaking in Las Vegas, President Trump dismissed warnings that a war with Iran could send oil prices as high as $300 a barrel, saying markets remained strong despite conflict-related volatility and global fuel supply disruptions.
in israel
Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomes ceasefire: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon provided an opportunity for a “historic peace agreement” with Beirut, but insisted it remained conditional on Hezbollah’s disarmament. 7 killed in Israeli airstrike: At least seven people were killed and 33 injured in an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Gazieh, the Health Ministry announced hours before a ceasefire between the two countries took effect. Rising Israeli discontent: Analyst Abed Abu Shadeh said many Israelis, especially in the north, felt betrayed after being promised “absolute victory” and a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Key goals remain out of reach: Israel’s goal of disarming Hezbollah remains elusive, and analysts say Israel lacks the forces and capabilities to fully occupy Lebanon. Israeli opposition slams ceasefire: Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the Lebanese ceasefire for failing to eliminate threats to northern communities and promised that future governments would take a tougher approach.
in lebanon
Lebanese PM welcomes ceasefire: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he “welcomes” President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire with Israel. Hezbollah ceasefire: President Trump said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon includes Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran. Hezbollah ‘behind the scenes’: Analyst Rami Khouli said Hezbollah is a central figure in the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, but its complex relationship with the Lebanese government affects its ability to maintain the ceasefire, and it operates “behind the curtain.” ‘Temporary ceasefire’ stokes fears: Reporting from Sidon, Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodor said residents remain anxious as Israel demands Hezbollah disarm while refusing to withdraw from southern Lebanon, while Beirut insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal.
