President Donald J. Trump stated that leaders of Israel and Lebanon will hold direct talks on Thursday, the first in 34 years. In a late-night post, Trump said he is working to create 'a little breathing room' between the two countries. The announcement follows recent Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
President Donald J. Trump posted late Wednesday that talks between the leaders of Israel and Lebanon are set for Thursday. 'Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon,' Trump wrote. 'It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!' United States, Israeli, and Lebanese officials have laid the groundwork behind the scenes, according to reports on the development. This comes amid heightened tensions, as Israel conducted strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and deeper into Beirut. The actions followed the launch of the United States' Operation Epic Fury and ongoing conflicts linked to Iran. Lebanon has served as a base for Hezbollah attacks on Israel for decades, turning the border area into a persistent flashpoint. Trump's intervention aims to address this long-frozen conflict through direct engagement between the governments.