image sourced from original article at Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors joined United States President Donald Trump at the White House to mark the extension of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah for three weeks following a second round of talks. The meeting included senior United States officials, who expressed optimism that the extension could create momentum toward a lasting agreement.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said Israel seeks both peace with Lebanon and security for its citizens, adding that both governments share an interest in removing Hezbollah’s influence. He argued that recent setbacks for Iran have created an opportunity to weaken Hezbollah and potentially formalize peace between Israel and Lebanon.
Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh thanked Trump for his leadership but did not directly address prospects for peace with Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ceasefire extension offers a path toward permanent peace, describing both countries as harmed by Hezbollah and stressing that the group’s threat must be eliminated.
