JUST IN: Saudi Arabia and Oman Welcome Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire, Stress Need for Lebanese State Sovereignty and Arms Control

By Reflecto News Staff
April 17, 2026

Saudi Arabia and Oman have officially welcomed the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and effective from April 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Both Gulf nations expressed support for strengthening the Lebanese state, restricting weapons to its legitimate institutions, and advancing efforts toward lasting peace and stability in the region.

The statements come as the temporary truce — the first significant pause in weeks of intensified fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah — takes hold, with plans for high-level talks in Washington.

Map of the Israel-Lebanon border region, highlighting southern Lebanon and the Blue Line demarcation.

Saudi Arabia’s Official Response

In a statement released by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the Kingdom welcomed President Trump’s announcement and praised the “significant positive role” played by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its longstanding position:

• Support for the Lebanese state in asserting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Ensuring that weapons remain exclusively in the hands of the state and its legitimate institutions.
• Backing ongoing reform efforts to preserve Lebanon’s safety, unity, and capabilities.

The statement emphasized the importance of all parties adhering to the ceasefire terms to create conditions for a permanent security and peace agreement.

Saudi Foreign Ministry building in Riyadh, symbolizing the Kingdom’s active diplomatic engagement in regional affairs.

Oman’s Official Response

Oman’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the ceasefire announcement, appreciating the diplomatic efforts led by the United States. The Sultanate stressed the importance of all concerned parties abiding by the terms of the agreement and avoiding any violations that could undermine it.

Oman highlighted its consistent support for de-escalation, respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, and the need for a comprehensive resolution that ends hostilities and promotes regional stability.

Broader Arab and International Context

Several other Arab countries, including Jordan and Syria, have similarly welcomed the truce while backing exclusive state control over weapons in Lebanon — a clear reference to limiting Hezbollah’s independent military capabilities.

The ceasefire aims to pause Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks. Israel has indicated its forces will maintain positions in southern Lebanon during the 10-day period, with both sides preparing for direct talks facilitated by the U.S.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, whose leadership has been praised by Saudi Arabia in the context of the ceasefire.

Significance for Regional Stability

The positive responses from Saudi Arabia and Oman — key players in Gulf diplomacy — signal broad Arab support for de-escalation and state-centric solutions in Lebanon. Analysts view this as an opportunity to strengthen Lebanon’s central government and reduce external militia influence, potentially paving the way for longer-term peace between Israel and Lebanon, nations technically at war since 1948.

The development occurs amid parallel U.S.-led efforts to stabilize the wider Middle East, including nuclear talks with Iran.

Omani Foreign Ministry in Muscat, reflecting the Sultanate’s traditional role as a mediator in regional conflicts.

Potential Challenges Ahead

While welcomed, the ceasefire faces tests:

• Full adherence by Hezbollah and other actors.
• Progress in planned White House talks between Israeli and Lebanese leaders.
• Addressing underlying issues such as border security, disarmament, and Israeli presence in southern Lebanon.

Success could mark a rare diplomatic breakthrough; failure risks renewed escalation.

Reflecto News will continue monitoring reactions from all parties, developments on the ground, and outcomes of upcoming negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly did Saudi Arabia say about the ceasefire?
Saudi Arabia welcomed the announcement, praised Lebanese leaders (Aoun, Salam, and Berri), and reiterated support for Lebanese sovereignty, restricting weapons to state institutions only, and reform efforts to preserve Lebanon’s unity and safety.

How did Oman respond?
Oman welcomed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, appreciated diplomatic efforts, and emphasized the need for all parties to strictly adhere to the terms and avoid violations.

What is the duration and start time of the ceasefire?
The 10-day ceasefire began on April 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST (midnight local time in Lebanon).

Does the ceasefire require Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon?
Reports indicate Israeli forces will maintain current positions during the initial 10 days, with negotiations aimed at longer-term arrangements.

Why is restricting weapons to the Lebanese state important?
It reflects a shared Arab and international goal of strengthening Lebanon’s central government and limiting non-state armed groups like Hezbollah, promoting stability and sovereignty.

How does this fit into broader regional efforts?
The truce is seen as a step toward de-escalation amid ongoing U.S. mediation in the Middle East, including potential talks with Iran and efforts to reduce tensions across multiple fronts.

For the latest updates on Middle East diplomacy, the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, and Gulf reactions, stay tuned to Reflecto News — your source for accurate, balanced international coverage.

All information is drawn from official statements by the Saudi and Omani Foreign Ministries and verified international reporting as of April 17, 2026.