Along with India’s observation, US President Donald Trump expressed hope that Hezbollah would act responsibly during this window. In a post on Social Truth, Trump wrote: “I hope Hezbollah does well and well during this important period of time. It will be a great moment for them if they do. No more killing. There must be PEACE at last!”
The president described the situation as a possible breakthrough, suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun could meet at the White House for the first time in 44 years.
While the US president remained optimistic about a deal to “take care of Hezbollah”, the situation on the ground remains complex. Prime Minister Netanyahu clarified that Israeli forces will not withdraw immediately.
“We will stay in a 10-kilometer security zone, which will allow us to prevent infiltration of communities and anti-tank missile fire,” Netanyahu said, asserting that Israel’s objectives remain “the disarmament of Hezbollah” and a “sustainable peace agreement – from a position of strength.”
Despite the official ceasefire, the transition to peace has been shaky. Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) suggested that Israeli artillery hit towns such as Khiam and Dibbine shortly after the ceasefire took effect.
As the Israeli military remains on high alert, celebrations are said to have been seen in parts of Beirut, with fireworks marking the start of a 10-day period that Washington hopes will lead to a permanent settlement.
(With data from ANI)
