Declaring his country 'stands before a new phase,' Lebanese president says it's 'not a sign of weakness' to negotiate with Israel, which he only directly mentions while urging IDF withdrawal

The U.S.-Israel ceasefire with Iran must hold across all fronts

BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 17 (UPI) -- The Israel-Hezbollah war, temporarily halted by a 10-day cease-fire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, opened a diplomatic process that would engage Lebanon in complex and sensitive negotiations to end the conflict, address Hezbollah's weapons and avoid being forced into an imposed peace.

The halt to weeks of fighting is being celebrated in Lebanon, but it will be difficult to ensure it lasts.

BEIRUT, April 17 - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that a ceasefire agreed to by his country should be transformed into \"permanent agreements,\" without saying whether he was referring to a prospective peace deal with Israel. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Lebanon is entering a “new phase” after a ceasefire with Israel, aiming for lasting agreements and stronger state control, said Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

He said the US will “deal with” the militant Hezbollah situation in an appropriate manner. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

As a 10-day ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel took effect, the Israeli military said its forces are going to remain in southern Lebanon. Iran and Donald Trump say the Strait of Hormuz is now open. DW has more.