Trump says Lebanese, Israeli leaders set to speak for first time in decades

WASHINGTON/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump has said that Lebanese and Israeli leaders will speak for the first time in decades, while Pakistan emphasised that peace in Lebanon is crucial for ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war.

The development comes as tensions in the Middle East remain high following the escalation of the Iran war, which expanded to Lebanon after Iran-backed Hezbollah opened fire in support of Tehran, triggering an Israeli offensive.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that stability in Lebanon was essential for the broader peace process.

“Peace in Lebanon is essential for Iran peace talks,” he said, referring to Islamabad’s role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was trying to create “breathing room” between Israel and Lebanon and said that their leaders would speak soon.

“It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken… It will happen tomorrow,” he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, according to Israeli officials, in what would mark a rare contact between the two countries, which have technically remained at war since 1948.

However, a senior Lebanese official said Beirut had no information about any such planned call.

President Aoun, in remarks after meeting UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer, said a ceasefire would be the “natural entry point” for direct negotiations with Israel, without confirming any talks with Netanyahu.

Fighting continued in southern Lebanon, particularly around Bint Jbeil, a stronghold of Hezbollah, as Israeli forces pressed their offensive. Lebanese officials believe Israel is seeking to secure battlefield gains before any diplomatic breakthrough.

Lebanese security sources said Israeli strikes had destroyed key infrastructure, including the last bridge over the Litani River, effectively cutting off parts of southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah said it had launched fresh rocket attacks on Israel, triggering sirens in northern Israeli towns, though no casualties were immediately reported.

Lebanese authorities say more than 2,100 people have been killed and over 1.2 million displaced since the escalation began, while Israel says Hezbollah attacks have killed two civilians and 13 soldiers.

Israel has said the area south of the Litani River would be off-limits to Hezbollah fighters, reflecting its objective to maintain control over parts of southern Lebanon.

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside the fighting.

A two-week ceasefire in the Iran war was agreed earlier this month following mediation by Pakistan, though Israel has said its operations against Hezbollah are not covered by that truce.

US officials have expressed hope for a broader agreement, while also indicating that Washington would welcome an end to hostilities in Lebanon as part of a wider peace deal.

Rare talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington this week drew criticism from Hezbollah, which warned such engagement could deepen internal divisions in Lebanon.

Iran has insisted that Lebanon must be included in any agreement to end the regional conflict, while the United States has said the two tracks should remain separate.