US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that Israel and Lebanon are set to hold peace talks on Thursday as war continues between the two countries despite a temporary ceasefire was announced between Iran and US.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the move is aimed at easing long-standing tensions between the two countries.“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!” his post read.Earlier on Tuesday, the United States hosted a trilateral meeting with Israel and Lebanon, marking their first high-level engagement since 1993.The talks focused on launching direct negotiations, with all sides expressing willingness to move toward a ceasefire, security cooperation, and a broader peace framework, the US Department of State said in a statement.The meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Counsellor Michael Needham, US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa A. Johnson, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad.The United States described the meeting as a historic milestone and expressed support for continued dialogue between the two countries. It also backed the Lebanese government’s plans to restore the monopoly of force and curb external influence.Washington said it hopes the talks will go beyond the scope of the 2024 agreement and pave the way for a comprehensive peace deal, while reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself against continued attacks by Hezbollah.According to the statement, the US said any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track. It also said the negotiations could unlock significant reconstruction assistance and economic recovery for Lebanon, along with expanded investment opportunities for both countries.Israel reiterated its position on disarming all non-state armed groups and dismantling terror infrastructure in Lebanon. It also expressed commitment to working with the Lebanese government to ensure long-term security for both nations.Israel further said it is ready to engage in direct negotiations aimed at resolving all outstanding issues and achieving a durable peace that would enhance regional stability and prosperity, the statement added.Lebanon, meanwhile, reaffirmed the urgent need for full implementation of the November 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement, stressing territorial integrity and full state sovereignty. It also called for a ceasefire and concrete steps to address the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict.
