Is Israel–Lebanon truce within reach? Trump says leaders to hold talks tomorrow

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that efforts are underway to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon, indicating a possible breakthrough as fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group continues.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he was “trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon,” adding that the two sides were expected to engage soon in high-level contact. “It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!” he wrote.

Lebanese officials, cited by the Financial Times, said a truce between Israel and Hezbollah could be announced as early as this week, possibly after Israeli forces conclude operations in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil.

Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon have become a major obstacle in efforts to end the war in Iran before the temporary two-week ceasefire ends.

In Washington, Israeli and Lebanese officials have opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades, following more than a month of war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the discussions as a “historic opportunity,” while cautioning that no immediate breakthrough should be expected.

“We understand we're working against decades of history and complexities,” Rubio said, adding that the administration hopes to build a framework for a lasting resolution that ensures security for both countries.

Hezbollah, which opposed the talks and was not represented, intensified its attacks as discussions began. The group claimed dozens of strikes on northern Israel and Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon have no formal diplomatic relations and have technically been at war since 1948. The current round of fighting began after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2, shortly after US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Lebanon’s government has expressed hope that the talks could pave the way for an end to the conflict.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who has called for disarming non-state groups including Hezbollah, said diplomacy remains the best path forward. “Diplomatic solutions have consistently proven to be the most effective means of resolving armed conflicts globally,” he said.

However, Hezbollah and its allies have rejected the negotiations, saying the group would not abide by any agreements reached.