This story originally appeared in the JC Israel Briefing. You can sign up to receive the briefing daily here.
The leaders of Israel and Lebanon are due to hold their first direct talks in more than 30 years as prime ministers Netanyahu and Aoun hold a phone call today to discuss a prospective ceasefire on the northern border.
The meeting was announced by US President Trump on Truth Social overnight.
“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!” he wrote.
Israeli media is reporting that there are talks to impose a week-long ceasefire, as residents of northern Israel continue to be bombarded by Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The IDF has almost finished an operation encircling Hezbollah's last stronghold in southern Lebanon, Bint Jbeil, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Last night, he said: “We are conducting negotiations with Lebanon. These negotiations have not taken place for over 40 years. They are happening now because we are very strong, and nations are coming to us, not just Lebanon.
"In the negotiations with Lebanon, there are two central goals: First, the disarming of Hezbollah, and second, a sustainable peace. Peace through strength.”
While the historic talks between the two nations are profound, Hezbollah refuses to join and refuses to disarm, with its leader this week calling talks ‘futile’ and stating they will not be subjected to their conditions.
However, Netanyahu also said in his address that Israeli remains prepared for a return to conflict with Iran.
“Our American friends are updating us constantly on their contacts with Iran. Our goals and those of the United States are identical: We want to see the enriched material removed from Iran, we want to see the cancellation of enrichment capabilities within Iran, and of course, we want to see the opening of the straits,” he said.
“It is too early to say how this matter will end, or even how it will progress. In anticipation of the possibility that fighting may resume, we are prepared for any scenario.”
And Trump continues to give mixed messages on the current situation, saying on Tuesday that he predicted “an amazing two days ahead” regarding diplomatic efforts, but warning at the same time “it could end either way”.
This story originally appeared in the JC Israel Briefing. You can sign up to receive the briefing daily here.
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