A U.S.-brokered 10-day cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, took effect on April 16, 2026, following rare direct talks in Washington, halting cross-border strikes amid the ongoing 2026 Lebanon war that escalated in early March. The truce, welcomed by Hezbollah, has largely held despite isolated incidents like rocket fire killing Israeli soldiers and Israeli warnings against Lebanese returns to southern border areas where troops remain deployed. This de-escalation signal supports broader U.S.-Iran negotiations, with potential extensions tied to Lebanon's sovereignty enforcement against Hezbollah; upcoming White House talks between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun could shape permanent ceasefire prospects before the truce expires around April 26.