![\"Netanyahu](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130507695,imgsize-459693,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/untitled-design-79.jpg\" "\\"<p>File")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a> on late Friday said efforts were underway to achieve a \u201chistoric peace\u201d between Israel and Lebanon following a three-week ceasefire extension, while accusing Hezbollah<\/a> of attempting to derail the process.In his first remarks since the truce extension, Netanyahu said he had held an \u201cexcellent conversation\u201d with US President Donald Trump, crediting Washington\u2019s continued pressure on Iran and close coordination with Israel.\u201cI promised you that we would change the face of the Middle East, and that is exactly what we are doing\u2026 He is applying very strong pressure on Iran, both economically and militarily. We are operating in full cooperation,\u201d Netanyahu said.<\/p>\n The comments come after Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon following talks with senior officials from both sides.\u201cThey\u2019ve agreed to an additional three weeks\u2026 no more firing,\u201d Trump said, while cautioning that Hezbollah remains a key concern.US Vice President JD Vance described the extension as a \u201cmajor, historic moment,\u201d while secretary of state Marco Rubio said it would provide more time to work toward a lasting peace.<\/p>\n Despite the extension, ground realities remain tense. Hezbollah has dismissed the ceasefire as \u201cmeaningless\u201d due to continued Israeli military actions, reported Reuters.\u201cIt is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this,\u201d Netanyahu said, adding that Israel would maintain \u201cfull freedom of action\u201d against threats.According to Reuters, Israeli strikes and Hezbollah responses have continued in southern Lebanon, even after the truce came into effect. Lebanese authorities reported casualties from recent airstrikes, while Hezbollah has also claimed to have downed Israeli drones.<\/p>\n The ceasefire has reduced large-scale hostilities but has not stopped intermittent violence, with Israeli forces maintaining a \u201cbuffer zone\u201d inside southern Lebanon, as per Reuters.Netanyahu reiterated Israel\u2019s position on security, saying, \u201cWe attacked yesterday and we attacked today. We are determined to restore security to the residents of the North.\u201dThe truce in Lebanon is unfolding alongside broader regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict, complicating diplomatic efforts. While the US has expressed optimism about a potential breakthrough, continued clashes on the ground underline the fragility of the ceasefire.With both sides trading accusations and military actions ongoing, prospects for a lasting agreement remain uncertain despite the temporary pause in fighting.<\/div>\n\nCeasefire extended, tensions persist<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Hezbollah rejects truce, clashes continue<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Fragile calm amid wider