Trump Asked Netanyahu to Cease Fire with Lebanon

SadaNews - U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he made a call to Israel on Friday, during which he urged them to agree to a ceasefire with the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.

Arab and World: Israel vows to continue its attacks in Lebanon "as needed".

According to a reporter from NBC News, Trump said, "Sometimes you have to calm down and use your brain," adding that he refused to clarify whether he spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Later, the president said in an interview with "Axios" that the agreement with Iran is very popular in the United States.

This came after Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group agreed earlier today to a ceasefire in Lebanon, after the escalation of fighting there threatened to turn a temporary agreement to end the war in Iran into a permanent one.

U.S.-Iranian talks that were scheduled to take place in Switzerland today were canceled amid escalating fighting in Lebanon, increasing the uncertainty surrounding the timing of essential negotiations to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open for global shipping.

A senior U.S. official stated before 4 PM Lebanese time that the ceasefire would take effect by that time.

The official, who requested anonymity, added, "What we understand is that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah have now entered into a ceasefire," noting that negotiators from the U.S. and Qatar reached the agreement with assistance from Iran.

Israel to Remain in Southern Lebanon

For their part, two sources from Hezbollah commented on the group's position regarding the ceasefire, saying, "We have implemented it from our side."

In contrast, a senior Israeli official confirmed that Israel has begun to implement a ceasefire, adding, "Unless Hezbollah attacks us, for us it won't be a time of war."

He also stated that Israel will keep its forces in southern Lebanon, where it occupies an area along Israel's northern border.

The escalation in Lebanon, which has seen 47 people killed in airstrikes in addition to four Israeli soldiers at the hands of Hezbollah elements, could weigh heavily on the negotiations since ending the fighting in Lebanon is one of the conditions of the broader U.S.-Iran agreement.

The temporary agreement stipulates that the United States and Iran declare an immediate and permanent ceasefire for military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Lebanon has been drawn into the ongoing war in the region after Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel on March 2, prompting Israel to launch a campaign against the group and invade the south of the country.