United States President Donald Trump has announced that leaders of Israel and Lebanon are expected to speak on Thursday as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions following rare direct negotiations between the two sides.
The development comes as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate after Hezbollah entered the war on March 2 with s on Israel prompting a strong military response.
According to reports Israeli strikes in Lebanon have ed more than 2000 people and displaced over one million civilians despite ongoing international calls for restraint and ceasefire agreements. Israeli ground operations have also extended into southern Lebanon further intensifying the conflict.
Trump speaking on his Truth Social platform said efforts are underway to create what he described as “breathing room” between Israel and Lebanon following what he called the first direct talks between senior officials of both countries since 1993.
A senior United States administration official confirmed that the US would welcome an end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon but clarified that the discussions are not part of broader negotiations involving Iran.
The official added that Washington’s goal is to build trust between both sides and create conditions for a durable peace agreement while stressing that an immediate ceasefire was not being demanded at this stage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel’s key objectives include the dismantling of Hezbollah and the achievement of a long term peace settlement secured through military strength and political negotiations.
Diplomatic observers say the planned communication between both leaders represents a rare and significant step in efforts to reduce tensions in one of the region’s most volatile conflicts.
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