Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a long 'road to peace' with Lebanon had begun after Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire with Hezbollah, describing the pause as a strategic opportunity to pursue both diplomacy and continued military pressure. He stressed that while Israel was extending a hand for peace at the request of President Donald Trump, the campaign against Hezbollah was not over and further action could follow if threats persist.

President Donald Trump reinforced the perception of strong United States involvement, declaring that Israel was prohibited from continuing to bomb Lebanon and urging both sides to maintain the truce. Despite the ceasefire taking effect after six weeks of fighting, reports from Lebanon indicated at least one fatal strike, while Hezbollah said its fighters remained on high alert in case of violations.

Israeli and Lebanese leaders signaled cautious support for negotiations. Lebanon's president called the ceasefire a gateway to crucial talks, including discussions on Israeli troop withdrawals and border disputes, while Israel's defense minister described the pause as a temporary freeze and said forces would remain in cleared areas until objectives were met. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with discussions underway about a possible meeting involving Netanyahu, Trump and Lebanon's president in the coming weeks.