WASHINGTON — President of the United States Donald J. Trump announced following a high level Oval Office meeting that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks, a move aimed at preventing further escalation along Israel’s volatile northern border.

The meeting brought together senior U.S. officials including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, along with high ranking representatives from both Israel and Lebanon.

“The meeting went very well,” Trump said in a statement, emphasizing that the United States will work directly with Lebanon to strengthen its ability to defend itself and limit the influence of Hezbollah, the Iranian backed terror group that has been at the center of repeated clashes with Israel.

The three week extension of the ceasefire is seen as a critical window for diplomatic efforts, as tensions have remained high following months of cross border fire, rocket attacks, and military responses between Israel and Hezbollah forces operating out of southern Lebanon.

Trump also signaled a broader diplomatic push, announcing plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House in the near future. The potential meeting could mark a rare moment of direct engagement tied to de escalation efforts and regional stability.

U.S. officials view Lebanon’s internal stability as key to preventing Hezbollah from expanding its operational control, while Israel has repeatedly warned it will take decisive action if attacks from Lebanese territory continue.

Trump described the meeting as “a very historic moment,” underscoring Washington’s renewed role in mediating one of the region’s most sensitive and dangerous flashpoints.