US President Donald Trump has said fresh talks between Israel and Lebanon are set to take place on Thursday, describing the effort as an attempt to ease tensions between the two sides.
The development comes amid a renewed diplomatic push by the United States to stabilise the volatile northern front involving Israel, even as Washington keeps its negotiations with Iran on a separate track. Officials say the immediate focus is not a ceasefire but creating conditions that could support a longer-term understanding.
“Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday (local time).
First high-level engagement since 1993
Earlier this week, representatives from Israel and Lebanon met in Washington, where Israel pushed for the disarmament of Hezbollah, while Lebanon raised concerns over the humanitarian fallout of the ongoing conflict and called for a ceasefire along with relief measures, according to the US State Department.
All sides agreed to begin direct negotiations at a mutually decided time and venue. The meeting marked the first significant high-level contact between the two countries since 1993.
The talks, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were viewed by American officials as a first step to ease tensions, and possibly build towards something bigger down the line.
US separates Lebanon talks from Iran negotiations
US officials made it clear that discussions around Lebanon are not tied to ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran.
A senior administration official said the US had “not asked for” a truce in Lebanon and that it was “not part of the peace negotiations with Iran”. However, the official added that Trump “would welcome the end of hostilities in Lebanon as part of a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon”.
Another official underlined Washington’s approach, saying, “The United States wants to see a durable peace but did not demand an immediate ceasefire.”
Focus on trust-building over quick truce
Instead of pushing for an immediate halt to fighting, US officials said the emphasis remains on building confidence between the two sides.
“The United States’ focus is on building trust between the two governments so that we can create space for a peace deal, and so that any future understandings can be durable,” the official said. “Both sides need to build political momentum.”
Reports suggesting that Israel may be considering a short-term ceasefire of about a week remain uncertain, with no clarity on whether Hezbollah would agree.
Regional tensions remain a concern
The diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of continuing instability in the region, particularly after Israel’s military campaign earlier this year following rocket attacks by Hezbollah. The conflict has displaced civilians and heightened fears of a broader escalation.
US officials indicated that managing multiple conflict tracks without overlap remains a priority, especially as efforts continue to stabilise a fragile truce with Iran. Lebanon, they said, remains a potential flashpoint that could disrupt wider regional diplomacy if not handled carefully.