Trump Announces Groundbreaking Talks Between Israel and Lebanon

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday night that leaders from Israel and Lebanon will have direct talks on Thursday. This is a significant event, as it marks the first communication between the two countries in 34 years.

The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the region due to a larger conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran that began on March 2.

In Lebanon, hostilities grew after Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran, launched military actions backing Tehran. This led to an Israeli response just 15 months after the last major conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

President Trump shared news of the upcoming talks in a post on Truth Social, mentioning he was trying to create some space for both countries.

“It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, about 34 years! It will happen tomorrow. Nice!” Trump wrote.

Gila Gamliel, a member of Israel’s security cabinet, confirmed this news by telling Israel’s Army Radio that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The idea of having such a discussion has caused uncertainty in Beirut. A high-ranking official from Lebanon mentioned that the Lebanese government had no details about any planned call between President Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

In a statement made after meeting with UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer, President Aoun stressed that a ceasefire is the starting point for direct talks with Israel. Aoun, who previously led Lebanon’s U.S.-supported military, pointed out that an Israeli withdrawal is crucial for strengthening the ceasefire and allowing Lebanese troops to move into the southern area.

On Wednesday night, the Israeli security cabinet met to discuss the possible terms of a ceasefire.

The Lebanese government is currently in a difficult situation. Officials have voiced strong concerns about Hezbollah’s choice to drag the country into the ongoing war. Over the past year, the Lebanese administration has been focused on peacefully disarming Hezbollah, which was created by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982.

If Netanyahu and Aoun were to connect, it would mark an important moment in their relationship, as Lebanon and Israel have been officially at war since Israel was formed in 1948. Hezbollah has always strongly opposed any diplomatic interactions between the two nations.