Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declined to hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a historic dialogue between the two leaders. A Lebanese official confirmed to CNN that Beirut informed Washington it was not ready to take such a step at this time.
According to the same official, Lebanon has clearly told both Israel and the United States that it will not engage in any discussions until a formal ceasefire agreement is reached between Israel and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet convened on Wednesday to discuss possible ceasefire arrangements.
The development comes as Trump recently announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon and received thanks from President Aoun for his mediation efforts, while Israel has issued threats of severe attacks against Iran.