Over 2,000 killed, more than a million displaced in Lebanon crisis.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has signaled a renewed diplomatic push to ease regional tensions, stating that leaders from Israel and Lebanon are expected to engage in talks on Thursday following rare direct negotiations in Washington.
The recent engagement marked the first direct contact between senior officials of the two countries since 1993, underscoring a notable shift in diplomatic momentum.
President Trump described the initiative as an effort to create “breathing space” between the two sides, although specific details regarding participants were not disclosed.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Lebanon drawn into the conflict on March 2 after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel.
In response, Israeli military operations have resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and the displacement of over one million people in Lebanon, alongside a ground offensive in the country’s southern region.
A senior US administration official stated that Washington would welcome a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly if it contributes to a broader and sustainable peace arrangement between Israel and Lebanon.
However, the official emphasized that such efforts remain separate from ongoing diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran.
The United States the official added is focused on facilitating confidence-building measures between the Lebanese and Israeli governments to create conditions for a durable agreement.
While expressing support for de-escalation, Washington has not formally called for an immediate ceasefire, instead prioritizing long-term stability through gradual diplomatic progress.
“Both sides must build political momentum to move toward a lasting resolution,” the official noted, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined Israel’s key objectives in the talks, including the dismantling of Hezbollah and the pursuit of a sustainable peace framework achieved through strategic strength.
The latest developments reflect Washington’s broader strategy to stabilize the region through dialogue and measured diplomacy, amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns.
