US says temporary ceasefire extension between Lebanese Hezbollah, Israel ‘urgently needed’

The White House said Friday that a “short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed” in Lebanon, citing the need to ensure Hezbollah could not threaten the Lebanese people or its neighbors.

“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,” National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes said in an e-mailed statement.

Hughes said all parties shared the goal of ensuring Hezbollah does not have the ability to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbors. “To achieve these goals, a short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed,” he said.

Hughes added that the US was pleased that the Israeli army started its withdrawal from Lebanon, “and we continue to work closely with our regional partners to finalize the extension.”

Under the US-brokered deal that was reached on Nov. 27, 2024, Israel was to withdraw its forces from Lebanon within 60 days to be replaced by the Lebanese Armed Forces, and Hezbollah was to withdraw and retreat at least 20 miles away from the border with the Israel. The deal is set to expire on Sunday.

However, on Friday, Israel said its forces would remain in southern Lebanon because the agreement had “not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state.”

The top French diplomat also said this week that more time was needed for the LAF to deploy to all the areas in the south. Analysts and officials said the lack of resources was why the LAF had not yet been able to deploy in the numbers stipulated under the deal.