US EditionLebanon Rules Out Talks with Netanyahu for Now Despite Trump's Comments
U.S. officials said the call would be the first direct contact between the leaders in more than 30 years as ceasefire talks continued.
- On Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declined a proposed phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejecting U.S. mediation efforts. President Donald Trump had announced the planned discussion late Wednesday, seeking to create "a little breathing room" between the nations.
- Aoun reportedly refused the call after internal consultations with officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, amid ongoing Israeli ground incursions. Lebanon has repeatedly stressed that negotiations must be preceded by a ceasefire.
- Lebanon's embassy in Washington formally informed the Trump administration that Aoun would not speak with Netanyahu, preventing the first direct dialogue between the leaders in 34 years. Minister Gila Gamliel had previously expected the call to proceed Thursday.
- The refusal complicates U.S. mediation efforts, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he continues seeking a ceasefire and stability in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes intensified across southern Lebanon on Thursday despite renewed diplomatic engagement.
- Aoun stated on Thursday that Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon as an "essential step" before any ceasefire. Israel is currently expanding a "security zone" aiming to extend up to 10 kilometers into the territory.
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43 Articles
Aoun confirmed the call with Rubio, who heard of his refusal, and did not mention any conversation with Netanyahu, who also did not speak. Washington, among leaders, "understands the position of Lebanon."
From Lebanon, information on a telephone call still taking place today has been denied by Prime Minister Netanyahu with Lebanese President Aoun.
Trump predicted Israel–Lebanon leaders would speak ‘tomorrow’ — Beirut swiftly shut it down – Democratic Accent
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will not speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for now, a Lebanese official told Fox News Digital, dealing a setback to U.S. efforts to broker direct contact between the two countries as fighting continues across southern Lebanon. The development came after President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that the two leaders could speak for the first time in decades. “We are trying to create a little brea…
US President Donald Trump puts pressure on Israel and Lebanon to approach each other. However, there is no discussion in Beirut. This was understood differently in Israel.
The US president wants to meet Iran and mediator Pakistan with a seven-day ceasefire on the second front. But Lebanon's president did not participate in a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu at first.
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