Former President Donald Trump has revealed that, for the first time in decades, the leaders of Israel and Lebanon are set to engage in direct dialogue this Thursday.
“Aiming to create some space for peace between Israel and Lebanon,” Trump announced on Truth Social on Wednesday. “It’s been over 34 years since these leaders last communicated.
“The conversation is scheduled for tomorrow. Exciting news! President DJT.”
Neither President Trump nor officials from Israel or Lebanon have disclosed the specific participants in these talks.
However, Gila Gamilel, a member of Israel’s security cabinet, indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to converse with his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Earlier discussions took place on Tuesday in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese representatives. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israel continues to engage militarily against Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu said in a video message the primary goal of Israel’s operation is to “dismantle” Hezbollah.
At least 20 people were killed after Israel launched more attacks Wednesday, according to state media cited by Al Jazeera.
Beirut also came under attack — with strikes reported in the coastal town of Saadiyat and a highway in Jiyeh, located 12 miles from the Lebanese capital.
The Israeli Defense Forces have continued to issue evacuation orders to residents in southern Lebanon, and more than 2,000 people in Lebanon have been killed.
Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli Ambassador to the US, said he was encouraged by a “wonderful exchange” following the talks — but no ceasefire has yet been reached.
“The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah,” he said.
“Iran has been weakened. Hezbollah is dramatically weakened. This is an opportunity.”
A cease-fire to the hostilities in Lebanon doesn’t appear imminent. Netanyahu’s security cabinet met Wednesday but no deal was reached.
And, Hezbollah says it will not abide by any agreements that may stem from the talks.
“As for the outcomes of this negotiation between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy, we are not interested in or concerned with them at all,” Wafiq Safa, a senior Hezbollah official, said.
“We are not bound by what they agree to.”
Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah lawmaker, said the option of negotiating with Israel, which he described as the “enemy,” is “wrong.”
With Post wires
