United States President Donald Trump announced tonight (Thursday) that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are expected to speak later today.
In a post he published on his social network Truth Social, Trump wrote: "I'm trying to get some 'breathing space' between Israel and Lebanon. It's been a long time since the two leaders spoke, something like 34 years (meaning 43 years). It will happen tomorrow (meaning today, according to Israeli time).".
Diplomatic sources told Al-Jadeed Channel that the mediation currently underway is trying to lead to a three-way phone call between Netanyahu, Aoun, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
It was also reported that if this trilateral phone call does indeed take place, it will discuss a ceasefire and creating a path for implementing steps by both sides until an agreement is reached between Lebanon and Israel.
A correspondent for the Saudi Al-Arabiya channel reported that Netanyahu is expected to speak today with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. On the other hand, Lebanese officials claim that they are unaware that such a conversation will take place.
Earlier tonight, Lebanese sources told the Financial Times that a ceasefire with Israel is expected soon, given the ongoing talks between the sides.
However, the political-security cabinet meeting that took place last night ended after about four hours, without a decision on the matter. Israel noted that at this stage there is no progress towards a ceasefire.
Diplomatic sources told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Jamhouria: "Washington is exerting strong pressure to calm the situation on the Lebanese front and has supported the attempt to convince Israel to agree to a ceasefire. Lebanese officials have received clear signals to this effect from American officials.".
Lebanese government sources confirmed to the newspaper that a second round of negotiations will soon take place in Washington, with current talks focusing on achieving a temporary ceasefire that will pave the way for an end to the war.
An official Lebanese source told the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al-Watan that American preparations are continuing for another meeting between Lebanon and Israel, which could take place in Washington. According to the Lebanese source, there is strong Saudi involvement in the Lebanese crisis, with Riyadh holding talks with influential countries to formulate a framework for a solution that would include Beirut.
Last night, Netanyahu issued a statement in which he addressed the campaign in Lebanon and reports of a ceasefire with the Lebanese.
""Our forces continue to strike Hezbollah. The fighting is focused on Bint Jbeil, Hezbollah's capital in southern Lebanon. We are about to overwhelm Bint Jbeil and eliminate this large stronghold. At the same time, I gave instructions to the IDF yesterday to continue to thicken the security zone and also to deploy it east to the slopes of Mount Hermon so that we can better help our Druze brothers in their time of need," Netanyahu said.
He noted that "at the same time, we are negotiating with Lebanon. The talks haven't taken place for 40 years and they are being held now because we are very strong and the countries are coming to us - and not just Lebanon. The goals in the negotiations with them: dismantling Hezbollah and a sustainable peace based on strength.".
