Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

Israel and Lebanon are hours into a 10-day ceasefire.

President Trump announced the agreement yesterday (sans details) after U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington D.C. on Tuesday; it was the neighboring nations’ first direct diplomatic meeting since 1993. 

The agreement follows more than a month of war between Israel and Hezbollah—an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon—which has reportedly caused over 2,100 deaths in Lebanon, 23 deaths in Israel, and displaced over 1M Lebanese residents. Hezbollah was not a part of the ceasefire negotiations, but backed the agreement yesterday.

This ceasefire could be key to broader U.S.-Israel-Iran peace. Though the conflicts are officially separate, Tehran has refused to negotiate a long-term deal with Washington until the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is also addressed. 

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PRAY WITH US
Give thanks to God for progress, and trust Him for long-term peace: 

Wonderful Counselor, you are the One who winds down wars and teaches peace (Isaiah 54:13). May your peace rule in the hearts of Israelis, Lebanese, members of Hezbollah, diplomats, U.S. officials, and all members of Christ’s body (Colossians 3:15-17). Bring evil plans to nothing and promote the good of the vulnerable, so that people from all nations would see your goodness and bow to the Prince of Peace. Amen.