Trump reveals direct talks between Lebanon and Israel under US patronage

US President Donald Trump revealed a remarkable diplomatic development: the holding of official talks between the Israeli and Lebanese sides this Thursday. Trump clarified via his 'Truth Social' platform that the US administration seeks, through this step, to create a space for calm and stability between the two parties, noting that the direct communication between the leaders of the two countries has been interrupted for a very long time.

The US President's statements did not include specific details about the identity of the figures who will participate in these talks, or whether communication will be direct between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. These moves come amid Washington's desire to bridge viewpoints and overcome historical obstacles that have prevented direct official communication for many years.

This news follows a preliminary meeting described as historic, held in Washington D.C. last Tuesday, where Lebanon's Ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Maawad, met with Israeli Ambassador Yehiel Leiter. This meeting is considered the first of its kind to bring together diplomats of this level from the two countries in decades, reflecting a fundamental shift in the course of diplomatic relations through intensive American mediation.

The preliminary discussions lasted for more than two hours and took place under the direct supervision of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the participation of the US Ambassador to Beirut, Michel Issa. The meeting focused on breaking the diplomatic stalemate and laying the initial foundations that would allow the two parties to sit at the negotiating table to discuss outstanding issues and common security and border files.

During the extended meeting, the Lebanese and Israeli parties reached a preliminary agreement to launch a round of direct negotiations under the patronage of the United States. These efforts, according to informed sources, aim to reduce on-the-ground escalation and open permanent communication channels to ensure that the region does not slide into wider confrontations, in light of the rapid political changes the region is witnessing.

We seek to provide a breathing space between Israel and Lebanon; it has been a long time since the leaders of the two countries spoke together.