Trump announces Lebanon-Israel leaders will speak for first time in decades

The conflict escalated on March 2 when Iran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli targets in solidarity with Tehran during the broader U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Israel responded with a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, just 15 months after the previous conflict between the countries ended.

Israeli forces have conducted intensive operations across Lebanon over the past six weeks, with the military reporting 200 strikes on Wednesday alone. Lebanese authorities report nearly 2,200 deaths since the conflict began, while over one million people have been displaced from their homes.

Netanyahu's security cabinet convened Wednesday evening to discuss potential ceasefire arrangements, with senior officials indicating heavy pressure from Washington to reach an agreement. The Israeli leader has stated his intention to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to prevent future attacks.

Hezbollah has maintained its rocket attacks on northern Israeli towns, with air raid sirens sounding Thursday morning as residents sought shelter. The militant group was notably excluded from this week's diplomatic discussions, despite its political wing's participation in Lebanon's government.

The last direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli leaders occurred during the 1991 Madrid Conference, with bilateral negotiations continuing until 1993. Since then, any communication has been conducted through intermediaries or international mediators.

A senior U.S. administration official indicated the White House supports ending hostilities as part of a broader peace agreement between the countries, though emphasized these talks remain separate from ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic contacts.