President Donald Trump on Thursday declared that the United States anticipates a “complete ceasefire” across all Middle Eastern conflict zones, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that Israeli military forces would maintain their presence in a security zone along southern Lebanon’s border.
In a statement published on Truth Social, Trump emphasized: “The United States is committed to PEACE, and we encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold.”
He further added: “The Markets are loving what is happening with Oil Prices way down, and Stocks way up. We expect a complete Ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.”
Trump’s remarks followed the release of a U.S.-brokered memorandum of understanding designed to halt hostilities among Israel, Iran, and their allied factions throughout the region.
The agreement stipulates an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” with signatories vowing not to initiate attacks against each other while upholding Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Hezbollah has interpreted this commitment as requiring Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory, labeling any continued presence a breach of the agreement.
Netanyahu, however, stated Thursday that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from its southern Lebanon security zone. Speaking at an event for road construction in the region, he declared: “Just as we restored security and prosperity to the Gaza envelope, so we will restore security and prosperity to the northern communities.” He added that maintaining the security zone is essential, asserting it would not be withdrawn “as long as Israel’s security needs require it.”
Netanyahu also acknowledged U.S. support during the conflict, stating: “The struggle is not yet over, and additional challenges lie ahead. These require of us composure, a resolute stand on our security interests, and at the same time maintaining the important connection with our American friends who fought shoulder to shoulder alongside us, and we appreciate this very much.”
