Donald Trump announced that leaders of Israel and Lebanon will hold direct talks on Thursday, marking the first such engagement in more than three decades. The announcement comes amid escalating violence along the border and growing international concern over regional stability.
Trump revealed the planned conversation on his Truth Social account, describing it as a rare opportunity to ease tensions between the two countries. He did not specify which leaders would participate, though possibilities include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or President Isaac Herzog, and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun or Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The talks follow a meeting earlier this week in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, the first direct diplomatic contact in decades.
Reactions have been mixed. Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed the talks, while Lebanon has remained cautious, focusing on the urgent need to halt Israeli strikes that have devastated parts of the country. Analysts say the announcement reflects Trump’s attempt to position the United States as a mediator, though skepticism remains about whether the talks can produce meaningful progress given deep disagreements over territory, disarmament, and security guarantees.
