What we know about the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

April 17, 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon starting April 16, though Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group fighting Israel, was not directly mentioned in the formal agreement. The truce allows both parties to pursue negotiations toward a permanent peace deal, with Trump inviting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun to Washington for further discussions. However, Israeli forces will maintain their 10-kilometer occupation zone in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire, contradicting Hezbollah's demands for complete Israeli withdrawal.

Who is affected

Over 1.2 million displaced people in Lebanon, primarily from the south
More than 2,100 people killed in Lebanon (including at least 260 women and 172 children)
7,000 wounded in Lebanon
91 Lebanese health professionals killed and 208 wounded
Two Israeli civilians killed
13 Israeli soldiers killed in combat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (invited to White House)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam
Hezbollah (Iran-backed militant group)
Lebanese Defence Minister Maj Gen Michel Menassa
Residents of southern Lebanese villages near the Israeli border

What action is being taken

A 10-day ceasefire is currently in effect as of 17:00 EST on April 16
Israeli troops remain stationed 10km deep into southern Lebanon
Israeli forces are occupying what they describe as a "security zone" in southern Lebanon
The US State Department is monitoring compliance with the ceasefire

Why it matters

This ceasefire represents a potential breakthrough in de-escalating a six-week conflict that has caused massive humanitarian devastation, with over 1.2 million people displaced and more than 2,100 killed. The agreement could provide an opportunity for permanent peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, potentially ending cycles of cross-border violence. However, the significance is complicated by Israel's continued military occupation of southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's exclusion from formal negotiations, raising concerns about the ceasefire's sustainability and whether it might lead to long-term Israeli occupation rather than genuine peace.

What's next

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will visit the White House for further talks
The ceasefire can be "extended by mutual agreement" if negotiations show signs of progress
Negotiations are expected toward a permanent security and peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon

Read full article from source: BBC