US President Donald Trump announced that leaders from Lebanon and Israel will speak tomorrow, aiming to create “breathing room” amid ongoing conflict. The last time these leaders spoke was over 34 years ago.
Trump’s post did not specify which Lebanese or Israeli leaders would meet or provide further details about the meeting. No immediate response was received from the offices of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, as well as Israel’s prime minister’s office.
The conflict escalated following the US-Israeli war with Iran, where Hezbollah fired in support of Tehran on March 2. This prompted an Israeli offensive in Lebanon just 15 months after their last conflict with Iran.
Washington expressed optimism about reaching a deal to end the war with Iran. Israel’s security cabinet discussed a possible ceasefire in Lebanon late Wednesday. A senior Israeli official and a Lebanese official stated that Washington was pressuring Netanyahu’s regime to reach a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Netanyahu, in a video statement, said his military continued strikes on Hezbollah and aimed to “overcome” the southern town of Bint Jbeil. The Lebanese official noted Israel’s goal was to secure victory in Bint Jbeil before diplomatic progress could be made.
The Israeli military reported ongoing targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon. In Israel, sirens warned residents of incoming rocket fire from Hezbollah, with no immediate reports of injuries.