April 16, 2026, Washington DC - Following a historic initial meeting between the Ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel, the US State Department released a statement announcing a 10-day cessation of hostilities. This critical, short-term ceasefire was brokered by the United States to immediately halt active military escalation and create a secure window for both nations to engage in direct negotiations. The announcement marked the first major diplomatic breakthrough in shifting the regional dynamic from unmanaged conflict toward a structured, state-to-state diplomatic process.