April 24, 2026—Washington, DC. The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) welcomes President Donald Trump’s announcement of the extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, alongside continued high-level US engagement with both parties in Washington. This development reflects sustained American leadership and offers a critical opportunity to stabilize a volatile front and restore momentum toward diplomacy amid heightened regional tensions.
The ceasefire’s extension is a critical and necessary step to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives. ATFL has consistently maintained that there is no military solution in Lebanon. Sustained diplomacy, anchored in direct engagement and international coordination, remains the only viable path toward long-term stability. ATFL President, Ambassador Ed Gabriel, stated that “Yesterday’s announcement to extend talks between Lebanon and Israel, combined with US leadership, is further proof that solutions will not come through war, but through diplomacy—especially when led by the United States.”
This opening must now be used to advance a Lebanon-focused track that stands on its own merits, while addressing the realities on the ground. Central to this effort is strengthening the Lebanese state’s capacity to act as the sole authority ensuring full sovereignty and territorial integrity, free from Israeli occupation, and paving the way for peaceful relations between the two nations. Progress toward stability will require a clear, state-led pathway to address Hezbollah’s disarmament, alongside efforts to rebuild public trust in national institutions and ensure the government meets the needs of those most affected by the war.
The Lebanese Armed Forces remain the cornerstone of this effort. Expanding their role as the country’s sole legitimate defense institution will safeguard sovereignty, and enable a political process to take hold. This will require sustained international backing and close coordination with the United States and partners.
US leadership will remain decisive in shaping what comes next. Maintaining momentum will require continued diplomatic engagement, calibrated use of leverage, and alignment with regional and international partners to ensure that the ceasefire holds and evolves into a broader framework for stability. In this regard, ATFL extends our appreciation to President Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio and Ambassador Michel Issa for their continued leadership and attention to this important issue.
ATFL urges all parties to act with urgency and purpose by:
- Consolidating the ceasefire and stopping all hostilities
- Advancing a sustained diplomatic track centered on deescalation and state authority
- Strengthening Lebanese state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces
- Advancing Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the demarcation of borders.
- Mobilizing coordinated international support for Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction
Lebanon now faces a narrow but meaningful window. With active and committed US leadership, and diplomatic commitment by Lebanon and Israel, this moment can begin to shift the trajectory toward stabilization and recovery--but, if missed, the risks of increasing escalation and further institutional erosion will only grow.
ATFL remains committed to supporting a strong US-Lebanon partnership grounded in sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term regional stability.