DUBAI: Prospects for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon have improved, with US President Donald Trump announcing that leaders from both sides are expected to hold talks on Thursday, signalling renewed diplomatic momentum.
Trump said the discussions follow a meeting in Washington that marked the first direct engagement between senior Israeli and Lebanese officials in decades. “Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon,” he said, indicating efforts to reduce tensions and create space for dialogue.
𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗝. 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟭:𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝟬𝟰.𝟭𝟱.𝟮𝟲
Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice! President…
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 16, 2026
US officials have expressed support for a peaceful resolution, emphasising that Washington is working to foster trust between both sides.
A senior administration official said the United States “would welcome the end of hostilities in Lebanon as part of a peace agreement,” highlighting a broader push for long-term stability.
Immediate ceasefire
The official added that the current efforts are focused on creating conditions for a durable settlement rather than an immediate ceasefire, stressing the importance of sustained political engagement.
Meanwhile, Israeli and Lebanese officials have also signalled openness to diplomatic progress. Israel has outlined objectives aimed at ensuring long-term security, while Lebanese authorities have insisted that a full ceasefire remains essential before formal negotiations can proceed.
Reports indicate that intensive contacts are ongoing between regional and international stakeholders to secure a breakthrough.
The upcoming talks are seen as a significant step toward de-escalation, offering a potential pathway to reduce tensions and advance a broader peace framework in the region.
