Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Apr 17: A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect, even as US President Donald Trump said Washington is “very close” to reaching a broader agreement with Iran.

The 10-day truce, brokered by the United States, aims to halt weeks of intense fighting, including Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The agreement is intended as a temporary pause that could open the door for longer-term peace negotiations.

Under the arrangement, both sides are expected to refrain from offensive operations, although Israel has maintained that it retains the right to act in self-defence. The ceasefire may be extended if both parties agree, with Washington playing a key role in facilitating further talks.

On the ground, the situation remains tense, with reports of sporadic violations and uncertainty over full compliance, particularly from Hezbollah. Displaced civilians have begun returning to southern Lebanon, though authorities have cautioned that conditions are not yet fully secure.

The ceasefire is also linked to wider geopolitical efforts, as the US continues parallel negotiations with Iran. Trump indicated that discussions with Tehran are progressing and hinted at a possible breakthrough over the weekend, raising hopes of easing broader regional tensions.

Despite the optimism, key challenges remain, including disagreements over Hezbollah’s role, border security and Iran’s nuclear programme. Observers say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the temporary truce can evolve into a more lasting peace framework.