10-day ceasefire in Lebanon begins as Israel agrees to U.S.-backed deal

On 17 April 2026, a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect after Israel agreed to a US-backed deal. Israel said it preserves its right to self-defense in Lebanon, and Anadolu reported Israel shelled southern Lebanon minutes after the ceasefire began. There were celebrations in Lebanon, and people began returning to affected areas in the south. Trump said Israeli and Lebanese leaders would meet in the US and that Iran may meet the US over the weekend. The UN chief, Europe, China, the UAE and Pakistan welcomed the ceasefire.

Israel said it will hold captured areas in south Lebanon, while Beirut insists on an IDF pullout. Al-Ahram reported an Israeli drone killed a motorcyclist in the first recorded violation, after Trump declared Israel 'prohibited' from bombing. Lebanon's president said he is working on 'permanent agreements' and that Lebanon is no longer a pawn, and the IDF lifted all wartime restrictions across Israel.