White House pushes to extend Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as Israel delays withdrawal

The White House has called for an urgent extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as Israeli forces refuse to leave southern Lebanon by Sunday’s deadline.

Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the Trump administration’s National Security Council, said on Friday that “President Trump is committed to ensuring Israeli citizens can safely return to their homes in northern Israel, while also supporting President Aoun and the new Lebanese government.”

Despite the ceasefire terms, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the Israeli army would remain beyond the agreed timeframe, raising fears of further conflict.

Hughes said “all parties share the goal of ensuring Hezbollah does not have the ability to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbours,” adding that “a short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed.”

He added that the US was “pleased” with Israel’s partial withdrawal but stressed that Washington would continue working with regional partners to finalise the extension.