Trump Agreed To Include Lebanon In Ceasefire, Then A Call From Netanyahu Changed Course
US President Donald Trump initially agreed that Lebanon would be part of the broader Middle East ceasefire, but later shifted his position after a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, CBS News reported. Follow Live Updates Here
According to the report, Trump had been informed that the ceasefire announced on Wednesday would apply across the region, including Lebanon, and he agreed to those terms.
Mediators, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also indicated that Lebanon was part of the understanding, the report mentioned.
However, the US position changed after a phone call between Netanyahu and Trump. The report mentioned that two sources familiar with the matter said that the shift, along with internal complexities within Iran’s leadership, has made diplomatic efforts increasingly difficult.
US Plans Talks In Washington
The United States is set to host talks in Washington, DC next week in a bid to push forward a ceasefire in Lebanon, even as tensions remain high on the ground.
Officials familiar with the matter said the discussions are being coordinated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s office. The talks are expected to involve US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad, and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter.
A State Department official confirmed that representatives from both sides will meet next week to begin dialogue.
Israel Seeks Talks With Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has directed his cabinet to initiate direct negotiations with Lebanon, aimed at disarming Hezbollah and working towards what he described as “peace relations” between the two countries.
“In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” his office said in a statement.
Netanyahu Warns Hezbollah Of Continued Strikes
Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would continue its military operations against Hezbollah, pointing to no immediate pause in strikes despite diplomatic moves.
“We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination,” the prime minister said on his personal X account.
He added that Israel would target the group “wherever necessary,” underlining the government’s position that security operations will continue alongside any potential negotiations.
