Trump Secures Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Talks After 34 Years Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes

President Trump announced Lebanese President Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu would speak for the first time in 34 years.

“Trump, Rubio speak to Lebanon's president amid push for Aoun-Netanyahu call Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday amid reports that Aoun is to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu”

Al-Monitor

Trump informed Aoun of a ceasefire within hours, according to multiple sources.

Al-Monitor

Lebanese sources told LBCI that Aoun would not speak with Netanyahu without a prior commitment to halt hostilities.

The Lebanese presidency confirmed the Trump-Aoun call and Aoun's thanks for the efforts.

The announcement followed US-mediated talks at the State Department.

Israel continued airstrikes across southern Lebanon as the talks unfolded.

Aoun insisted that a ceasefire precede any negotiations with Israel.

He said the Lebanese state is the sole party responsible for conducting negotiations.

Anadolu Ajansı

The Islamic Republic of Iran has said the longevity of the ceasefire with the US is contingent on Israel stopping its attacks.

The calls took place two days after a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors.

Parliament Speaker Berri dispatched a delegation to Saudi Arabia.

Lebanese health authorities reported the death toll had risen to 2,167.

“Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday spoke over the phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the potential Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, according to the Lebanese presidency”

CGTN

The diplomatic breakthrough coincided with continued Israeli military operations.

Israel said it would continue fighting Hezbollah until the group is defanged.

Trump faced skepticism and criticism over his claims.