Trump Announces 10-Day Ceasefire Between Israel And Lebanon

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon "in order to achieve PEACE between their countries.

""I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel.

These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P. M. EST," Trump said in a social media publication.

"I have directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin' Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE," he added.

The development follows Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's refusal to talk to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu while the country continued sustaining attacks.

Citing a Lebanese official, the Associated Press said Aoun told Secretary of State Marco Rubio that direct talks would not be appropriate given Israel's ongoing attacks in the country. The official claimed that Rubio was understanding of the position.

Aoun's office later said Trump held a conversation with him where he stressed "his commitment to fulfilling the Lebanese request for a ceasefire as soon as possible. "If talks effectively take place now, they will be the first in more than 30 years.

It will followa meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials in the U. S. on Tuesday, where both parties agreed on the need to "liberate" the latter country from Hezbollah. Israel's Ambassador to the U. S.