WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will hold direct talks on Thursday, marking the first high-level communication between the two nations since 1992. The unexpected development comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and ongoing U.S. mediation efforts in the region.
According to White House officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the call will involve Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. While no formal agenda has been released, sources familiar with the matter suggest discussions will focus on maritime border disputes and security arrangements.
The last official contact between Israeli and Lebanese leaders occurred during 1992 peace negotiations. Analysts note the timing coincides with renewed U.S. diplomatic activity following recent clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. “This could represent a strategic breakthrough or merely crisis management,” said Middle East expert Aaron David Miller via email.
State Department officials declined to confirm specific details but acknowledged ongoing “multilateral discussions” about regional stability. The call’s outcomes may influence upcoming UN Security Council deliberations on Lebanon’s political crisis.