President Donald Trump stated that Israeli forces will not enter Beirut, Lebanon, and announced that Hezbollah has agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States. This development marks a significant step in U.S. mediation efforts aimed at preventing the escalation of conflict along the Lebanon front.
On June 1, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he had a "very productive call" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting, "There will be no troops heading to Beirut, and those already en route have turned back."
Trump also mentioned indirect communication with Hezbollah, stating, "I had a very good conversation with them through high-level representatives. They agreed to stop all firing." He added, "Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel."
The Lebanese U.S. Embassy confirmed that Hezbollah has agreed to the U.S.-mediated ceasefire proposal. According to Reuters, the initial phase involves Israel halting its attacks on southern Beirut while Hezbollah ceases its assaults on Israel. A statement shared by the Lebanese presidential office indicated that this ceasefire would apply throughout Lebanon.
This announcement came shortly after heightened concerns regarding Israel's military operations in Lebanon. The U.S. had previously suggested that if Hezbollah stopped its attacks on Israel, Israel would refrain from escalating its offensive in Beirut. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed this plan with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Netanyahu had ordered an expansion of military operations in Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's attacks. Recently, Israeli forces captured the southern Lebanese town of Bofort and surrounding ridges. Despite an existing ceasefire, clashes have continued, raising tensions along the Lebanon front.
However, it remains uncertain whether Trump's announcement will lead to an immediate ceasefire on the ground. An Israeli military official contradicted Trump's assertion, stating that there were no troops heading to Beirut. Additionally, the Israeli government has not issued a separate announcement regarding a complete halt to military pressure on Hezbollah.
The key issue is the implementation of the ceasefire. For the U.S. proposal to take effect, Israel must stop its offensive in Beirut and southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah must cease its attacks on northern Israel. If either side resumes hostilities, the Lebanon front could once again become unstable, despite Trump's public announcement.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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