Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Rejects Direct Talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu

Lebanese Embassy Informs Washington of Its Position
Trump Claimed Direct Communication Between the Two Countries After 34 Years
Beirut/Washington (News Agencies) — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has refused to engage in direct talks or communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Lebanese officials, this stance will remain until a ceasefire is achieved. The Lebanese embassy in Washington had already informed the US administration of Beirut’s position.
US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, claimed that leaders of Israel and Lebanon would speak directly for the first time in 34 years. He wrote: “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.” Trump also hinted at inviting both leaders to the White House.51ac6b
However, Lebanese officials rejected the claim, stating that President Aoun told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a phone call that direct engagement with Netanyahu was inappropriate at this stage due to ongoing Israeli strikes and destruction in Lebanon. Lebanese media (LBCI) and multiple officials confirmed that the embassy had conveyed this position to the US side beforehand.4e05bb
Lebanon has insisted on a ceasefire as a precondition for any direct negotiations, while Israel has not yet committed to a full halt in hostilities. Earlier this week, Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held rare direct talks in Washington — the first high-level engagement since 1993 — but it has not yet led to leader-level communication.
Lebanese sources cited strong domestic pressure against further contacts with Israel while attacks and devastation continue. Hezbollah and its allies have also criticized any direct negotiations as a concession.
Separately, Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, set to begin on Thursday at 5 p.m. EST, but Aoun’s rejection has temporarily stalled efforts for direct leader-to-leader talks.
Analysts note that the situation adds complexity to the ongoing Middle East tensions, with the US attempting mediation. Lebanon is pressing for a ceasefire and protection of its sovereignty, while Israel seeks resolution on Hezbollah-related security issues.