Israel Signals Talks, Lebanon Says No Contact with Netanyahu

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Beirut: Confusion has emerged over a reported phone call between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun, with Lebanese officials denying any knowledge of planned contact despite claims from Israeli leaders.

Israeli cabinet minister Galia Gamliel said the two leaders were expected to speak, describing the move as a potential breakthrough after years of no direct dialogue between the two countries.

“The conversation will take place after so many years of a total disconnect... and this move will hopefully lead to prosperity,” she told Israeli Army Radio, according to local media reports.

However, officials in Lebanon said they were unaware of any such communication. A source told AFP that no contact had been arranged through official channels, while other reports quoted officials saying there was “no information” about a potential call.

The uncertainty follows comments by Donald Trump, who suggested that historic peace talks between Israel and Lebanon could take place soon. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said efforts were under way to create “breathing room” between the two sides and claimed the leaders could speak after decades without direct contact.

Diplomatic engagement has shown some movement, with ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon holding rare direct talks earlier this week in Washington DC—their first such meeting in decades. Both sides reportedly agreed to pursue further negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue, though no schedule has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high on the ground. The Israeli military has urged residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate areas amid ongoing airstrikes targeting what it says are positions linked to Hezbollah.

Lebanon is understood to be seeking a ceasefire agreement before entering formal peace talks, citing an escalating humanitarian crisis. Israel, for its part, has indicated it wants assurances that Hezbollah no longer holds influence within the Lebanese government.

The conflicting statements highlight the fragile and uncertain nature of diplomatic efforts, even as international actors push for de-escalation between the two long-standing adversaries.

(With inputs from AFP)