Israel’s protracted conflict with Lebanon may well be easing, judging by the most recent developments.

On April 14, Israel and Lebanon conducted preparatory talks in Washington ahead of what may be more substantive negotiations in the near future.

A day later, the Israeli security cabinet met to consider a short-term ceasefire in Lebanon to pause the war against Hezbollah, Iran’s chief proxy in the Middle East. No decision was taken.

Today, US President Donald Trump unilaterally announced a 10-day ceasefire and invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House.

“When Israel’s greatest friend, President Trump, is acting alongside us in close coordination, Israel cooperates with him,” Netanyahu said.

Iran, Israel’s deadliest enemy, had been pushing for a truce, saying it should be included in its current two-week ceasefire with the United States, which expires next week.

Trump initially brushed off Iran’s demand, but changed his mind after apparently concluding that a ceasefire in Lebanon might consolidate the US-Iran truce.

With the prospect of a second round of US-Iranian talks in Pakistan taking shape after Vice President JD Vance said that the United States sought a “grand bargain” with Iran, the Trump administration reportedly exerted pressure on Israel to halt its offensive in Lebanon,........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)