Trump Says Israel and Lebanon Leaders
to Hold First Talks in 34 Years Amid Escalating Conflict
WASHINGTON/BEIRUT: Donald Trump has announced that leaders of Israel and Lebanon are expected to speak on Thursday, marking what could be the first direct communication between the two sides in more than three decades.
The US president shared the development on his Truth Social platform, describing it as an effort to create “a little breathing room” amid ongoing hostilities.
“It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!” Trump wrote, without specifying which leaders would participate.
Diplomatic Push Amid Ongoing Violence
The announcement follows recent diplomatic engagement in Washington, where Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held rare direct talks — the first in decades — signaling renewed efforts to de-escalate tensions.
However, there has been no official confirmation from either Israel or Lebanon regarding the proposed leadership-level conversation.
Conflict Intensifies on the Ground
The diplomatic developments come against the backdrop of escalating violence in Lebanon, which has been drawn into the broader regional conflict following rocket fire by Hezbollah earlier this year.
Israel has since launched a large-scale military campaign, including airstrikes and a ground invasion in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, the conflict has resulted in over 2,000 deaths and displaced approximately 1.2 million people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that military operations would expand further east in southern Lebanon, while also pursuing negotiations aimed at achieving what he described as a “sustainable peace” and disarming Hezbollah.
Lebanon Calls for Ceasefire
The Lebanese government, which maintains it is not a direct party to the conflict, has called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory.
Despite these calls, Israeli strikes have continued, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and medical facilities. Lebanese health authorities report dozens of medical workers have been killed since early March.
‘Controversial’ Proposal
Analysts and regional observers have described Trump’s announcement as controversial, given that Israel and Lebanon remain technically at war and have no formal diplomatic relations.
There are also questions about whether such talks could lead to tangible outcomes, including a ceasefire or broader negotiations aimed at stabilizing the region.
Uncertain Path Forward
While diplomatic efforts are intensifying, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Fighting continues in key areas of southern Lebanon, including Bint Jbeil, where Israeli forces are seeking strategic gains and Hezbollah fighters are resisting.
Experts note that any long-term resolution would likely require addressing Hezbollah’s role and influence — a deeply complex issue tied to regional power dynamics involving Iran.
For now, the proposed talks — if they take place — could represent a rare opening for dialogue in a conflict that has remained largely frozen at the diplomatic level for decades.
