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Friday 17 April 2026

Israel and Lebanon agree to ceasefire unlikely to last

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Israel and Lebanon began a 10-day ceasefire, but not before Tel Aviv destroyed the last bridge connecting southern Lebanon with the rest of the country. Touted by Trump as a historic moment, and his 10th war “solved”, it would be highly surprising if the ceasefire lasts. It’s unclear whether it can even be called one. It is Hezbollah, not Lebanon, that is fighting Israel and there is no indication that the militant group has agreed to a truce, though Trump has insisted Hezbollah has. Netanyahu has also said that Israeli troops will remain in a “security zone” in southern Lebanon. For as long as Hezbollah can be perceived as a threat, Israel will keep fighting and any ceasefire will be in name only.

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