Ceasefire Takes Effect
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon began on April 16 at 5 p.m. EST, following weeks of intense conflict. President Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social after speaking with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump invited Aoun and Netanyahu to the White House for what he called the first meaningful talks between the countries since 1983.
The ceasefire is defined as an Israeli "gesture of goodwill" to launch negotiations on a peace agreement, according to a White House official. The agreement may be extended if progress is demonstrated in the negotiations and Lebanon demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty. The Lebanese army warned people displaced from southern Lebanon about returning home because of intermittent shelling that was reported after the ceasefire came into effect.
The sources also report that the Lebanese army warned displaced residents not to return home due to ongoing military operations, despite some residents expressing hope of returning.
Terms of the Agreement
According to the agreement, Israel retains the right to take military action in self-defense against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. Israel commits to not take offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets. The government of Lebanon committed to take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other rogue non-state armed groups from carrying out any attacks against Israeli targets.
Netanyahu said Israel would not end its occupation of the 6-mile deep buffer zone in southern Lebanon. The U.S. will facilitate direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon on the demarcation of their land border, in order to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement. A joint statement published by the State Department claimed both countries agreed to recognize each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and establish genuine security along their shared border, while preserving Israel's inherent right to self-defense. However, Axios reported that the Lebanese government didn't confirm it had agreed to those terms.
Reactions to the Ceasefire
Hezbollah issued a statement stressing that its fighters would remain prepared for any new escalation. "The hands of these fighters will remain on the trigger, anticipating the enemy's treachery and violation of promises," the group warned.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the ceasefire. Sharif said in a social media post that the ceasefire was "facilitated through bold and sagacious diplomatic efforts led by President Donald Trump, and express the hope that it will pave the way for sustainable peace."
While the ceasefire offers a chance at de-escalation, France 24 reported that the Lebanese army has already reported several alleged violations in the southern border region.
New Leadership at the CDC
President Trump nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral. Trump called Schwartz "a STAR!" in a Truth Social post.
Trump also appointed Sean Slovenski, a former president of Walmart Health, as CDC deputy director and chief operating officer. He additionally named Jennifer Shuford, the commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, as deputy director and chief medical officer, and Sara Brenner, now FDA's principal deputy commissioner, as senior counselor for public health to Kennedy. The CDC has been without a permanent political leader since Susan Monarez was fired in August after serving in the role for less than a month, according to Axios.
The sources also report that Lebanese authorities say more than 1 million people have been displaced by the conflict.