Progress Without Power: The Limits of the Lebanon Ceasefire

Smoke rises following explosions in southern Lebanon, near the Israel-Lebanon border, as seen from northern Israel, April 27, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Shir Torem

Last month’s announcement by President Donald Trump of a temporary extension to the Lebanon–Israel ceasefire, amidst ambassador-level Israeli-Lebanese talks in Washington, was greeted, in some quarters, with cautious optimism.

This is understandable.

Lebanon and Israel have been in a technical state of war for decades, with even basic engagement once unthinkable.