Donald Trump agrees to extend Lebanon ceasefire to February 18

The Trump administration has agreed to an extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon from the deadline today (Sunday) to Tuesday, February 18, according to an official White House press release.

The statement reads:

The arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, 2025.

The Government of Lebanon, the Government of Israel, and the Government of the United States will also begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023.

This announcement comes following previous signals from Trump and his team that Israel could not extend the deadline for fear of sabotaging the deal itself and leading to a renewal of the war.

Israel repeatedly insisted it needed more time and assurances that the Lebanese Army is indeed demilitarizing the whole of southern Lebanon, including Hezbollah men and materials, and that Hezbollah is indeed remaining entirely behind the Litani River.

The IDF gave a briefing to the Knesset previously describing how the Lebanese Army is moving too slowly in deploying throughout the region and how units with Shiite soldiers and commanders were even assisting Hezbollah. Now a report has emerged suggesting a senior Lebanese Army commander also provided the terrorist group with vital information regarding the ceasefire.

The army also said that Hezbollah has committed "hundreds" of violations of the ceasefire including bringing in armed men and moving around weapons in the area of southern Lebanon.

Today, Hezbollah activists and local south Lebanese residents tried to force their way into the south Lebanese villages which the IDF still holds, despite repeated warnings that the army would use deadly force against such an attempt.

When they got too close in a way that endangered the forces, the IDF opened fire, reportedly killing over 20 people according to Lebanese authorities.