Trump Confirms Thursday Talks Between Israel and Lebanon

DUBAI — Hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon grew on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump announced that leaders from both countries would hold talks on Thursday. The announcement followed the first direct negotiations between senior Israeli and Lebanese officials since 1993, which took place in Washington a day earlier.

“Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He did not identify which leaders would speak or provide further details.

A senior US administration official said Trump would “welcome” an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, but stressed that any such outcome is not linked to ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran. “The United States wants to see a durable peace but did not demand an immediate ceasefire,” the official added, speaking anonymously.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined two central objectives for the talks: “First, the dismantling of Hezbollah; second, a sustainable peace… achieved through strength.” Israel’s cabinet met Wednesday to discuss a possible ceasefire, more than six weeks into its war with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

A Lebanese official told Arab News that intensive contacts were underway with international and regional actors. “Lebanon is insisting on a full ceasefire before entering any formal negotiations,” the source said, adding that the government “will not relinquish a single inch of Lebanese territory.”

Since the war began on March 2, Israel has killed more than 2,100 Lebanese people, according to official figures.

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