Israel-Lebanon 10-Day Ceasefire Takes Effect

A 10-day cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon took effect at 5 PM ET (21:00 GMT) on Thursday, April 16, after personal outreach from President Donald Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

How the Deal Came Together

Vice President JD Vance played a central brokering role, working alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine. Trump's direct calls to both leaders were credited with closing the final gaps after weeks of indirect contacts.

Death Toll and Damage

Lebanese health authorities said the death toll from Israeli strikes had reached 2,196 by Thursday afternoon. Damage to civilian infrastructure across southern Lebanon is extensive, and humanitarian convoys are expected to begin moving as soon as the ceasefire holds.

What the 10 Days Buy

US officials framed the truce as a window for deeper negotiations on a sustained framework. A senior State Department spokesperson called the cessation a chance to "enable peace negotiations." Both governments said they would respond to violations.