United States President Trump announced late Wednesday night (April 15) that leaders of Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold talks on Thursday. This marks the first direct communication between the leaders of the two countries in about 34 years, seen as a significant diplomatic breakthrough to ease recent regional conflicts.
Shortly before midnight, Trump confirmed the news on the social media platform “Truth Social,” stating, “I am trying to broker some breathing space between Israel and Lebanon.”
Regarding this historically significant meeting, Trump pointed out, “These two leaders have not spoken to each other in a long time, about 34 years. This dialogue will happen tomorrow. Great!”
However, the U.S. has not yet disclosed the specific participants and the location of the talks.
This diplomatic development stems from a high-level officials meeting between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon held on Tuesday this week. This meeting marked the first major high-level contact between Israel and Lebanon since 1993, and all three parties agreed to take steps to initiate direct negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement beyond the 2024 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire accord framework.
Currently, Israel is facing strong pressure from Washington to cease fire. The Israeli security cabinet convened on Wednesday night to discuss potential ceasefire options.
Despite the glimmer of hope in diplomatic negotiations, the front lines of the conflict have not ceased. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a video released on Wednesday that the Israeli military will continue to strike the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, and claimed they are on the verge of capturing the strategic southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil.
Lebanese officials believe that Israel aims to gain absolute advantage on the battlefield before making diplomatic progress.
The stability of the Israel-Lebanon situation is closely linked to broader regional peace.
President Trump stated on Tuesday that the second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran could take place in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad in the “next two days.”
Previously, Israeli military activities in Lebanon have been a key sticking point in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that if Israel does not stop its attacks on Lebanon, progress in ending the war negotiations will be difficult.