United States President Donald Trump has said that leaders of Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold talks on Thursday as the United States intensifies diplomatic efforts to ease rising tensions between both countries.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, describing the initiative as part of efforts to create “a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon” following renewed hostilities in the region.
The development follows what are described as the first direct engagements between senior officials of both countries since 1993, held in Washington in recent weeks as part of backchannel diplomatic efforts.
The latest escalation began after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel on March 2, pulling Lebanon deeper into the ongoing Middle East conflict. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 2,000 people and displaced more than one million others in Lebanon, while Israeli ground forces have advanced into the southern part of the country despite international calls for restraint.
Although Trump confirmed that both sides would engage in fresh talks, he did not disclose who would participate or provide details on the agenda.
A senior US official said the administration would support any effort that leads to an end to hostilities, but clarified that Washington is not currently pushing for an immediate ceasefire.
“The president would welcome the end of hostilities in Lebanon as part of a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon,” the official said, adding that the United States is seeking a “durable peace” rather than an immediate halt in fighting.
The official also stressed that discussions involving the US and Iran remain separate from the Israel-Lebanon track, noting that Washington’s priority is to rebuild trust between both sides to allow space for a long-term agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined Israel’s position, stating that any resolution must address core security concerns.
“First, the dismantling of Hezbollah; second, a sustainable peace… achieved through strength,” Netanyahu said.
The latest diplomatic push underscores growing international concern over the widening conflict and efforts by Washington to create conditions for renewed negotiations between the parties.
