Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire by three weeks after White House talks, says Trump

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks following talks at the White House, according to US President Donald Trump.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said the meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States went “very well”.

“The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,” Trump wrote.

He added that he looks forward to meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun “in the near future.”

According to The Associated Press, the initial 10-day ceasefire, which began last Friday, had been due to expire on Monday.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said: “We don't have any serious disagreements with Lebanon. There are a few minor border disputes that can be solved.”

“The obstacle to peace and normalization between the countries is one: Hezbollah”, he added.

However, Hezbollah has rejected the talks. Senior official Wafiq Safa told The Associated Press the group would not abide by any agreements reached.

The conflict has killed about 2,300 people in Lebanon and displaced more than one million, according to Lebanese authorities.