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Open Chronicle | With Agencies
Washington / Middle East — Donald Trump has declared that the United States is actively preventing Israel from launching further military strikes on Lebanon, as a fragile ceasefire begins to take hold after weeks of intense fighting.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said that Israeli operations would cease immediately, describing the decision as a firm U.S. directive.
“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are prohibited from doing so,” he wrote, adding, “Enough is enough.”
A Ceasefire Under Pressure
The announcement follows Trump’s earlier declaration of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at halting a conflict that has caused widespread destruction and displacement.
The violence, driven largely by clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, has escalated sharply in recent weeks, despite previous ceasefire attempts.
According to official figures, more than 2,000 people have been killed and over 7,000 wounded during the latest phase of fighting, with more than one million people displaced across Lebanon.
U.S. Role in Containing Escalation
Trump emphasized that the ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon is separate from broader diplomatic efforts involving Iran, though tensions with Tehran remain a key factor in the wider regional conflict.
He stated that Washington would continue working with Lebanese authorities while addressing the role of Hezbollah, whose disarmament has long been a strategic objective for both the United States and Israel.
The move signals a more direct U.S. intervention in managing the conflict, with Washington positioning itself as both mediator and enforcer of the ceasefire terms.
A Long-Running Conflict
Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon dates back to October 2023, with a ceasefire declared in late 2024 that was repeatedly violated before the latest escalation earlier this year.
Israeli forces continue to hold positions in parts of southern Lebanon, some dating back decades and others established during more recent operations.
The persistence of these tensions has complicated efforts to achieve a lasting settlement, with periodic escalations disrupting fragile periods of calm.
Uncertain Path Forward
While the U.S. announcement may provide temporary relief, questions remain about the durability of the ceasefire and the willingness of all parties to adhere to it.
The scale of destruction, ongoing military presence, and unresolved political issues suggest that the current pause may be only a short-term measure rather than a definitive end to hostilities.
For now, the situation remains highly volatile, with regional stability dependent on continued restraint and sustained diplomatic engagement.