US President Donald Trump says the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak on Thursday in what would be an unprecedented direct contact, though officials in both countries have yet to confirm any such plan.
Trump’s comments came as Washington tries to ease hostilities after the first direct talks in decades between the two nations’ ambassadors, who met in the US capital this week. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Hezbollah, the Iran‑backed armed group based in the country, launched attacks on Israel.
Since then, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over a million, despite international calls for a ceasefire, while Israeli ground forces have pushed into the country’s south.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said he was “trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon,” referring to the ambassador‑level talks held in Washington on Tuesday, the first such meeting since 1993. He added that the leaders of the two countries would speak on Thursday but did not name them or give details.
A Lebanese official told AFP, however, that Beirut was “not aware of any planned contact with the Israeli side” and had not been informed through official channels. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also declined to comment when asked about Trump’s statement.
Analyst Michael Young of the Carnegie Middle East Center noted that there has never been direct contact between sitting leaders of Israel and Lebanon. He recalled that Lebanese president‑elect Bachir Gemayel met Israeli leaders in 1982 after Israel’s invasion but was assassinated before taking office, while later contacts in 1992–1993 were limited to diplomats in Washington following the Madrid peace conference.
A senior US official stressed that ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah is not part of ongoing US‑Iran talks. “The president would welcome the end of hostilities in Lebanon as part of a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon,” the official said, adding that Washington wants a “durable peace” but is not demanding an immediate ceasefire.
The official said negotiations with Iran are separate from efforts to build trust between the Israeli and Lebanese governments so any future deal can last. “Both sides need to build political momentum,” the official added.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin direct negotiations following the ambassadors’ meeting. Netanyahu said the talks have two main goals: “First, the dismantling of Hezbollah; second, a sustainable peace… achieved through strength.”
Lebanon’s ambassador, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, said she used the Washington meeting to call for a ceasefire in Lebanon, which Israel has so far rejected, while Hezbollah condemned the process as “capitulation.”
On the ground, the Israeli army on Thursday again urged civilians to evacuate all of southern Lebanon up to the Zahrani River, around 40 kilometres north of the border. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several drone attacks on military positions in northern Israel and in Lebanese territory, and Lebanon’s state news agency reported clashes around the border town of Bint Jbeil.
About the author
Nico Gravity battles heart failure, appeals for financial support
Veteran musician Nico Gravity has revealed he is battling heart failure and serious kidney complications, and is appealing to the public for urgent financial assistance to continue his treatment. The singer, known for his viral diss track “Finish Timaya,” made the appeal in an emotional video shared on his Facebook page, where he explained that he has been very ill for the past two months. “Guys, I am very sick. For the past two months, I have been diagnosed with heart failure. I need help,” he said, adding that he had started urinating blood, which doctors linked to a kidney problem. Nico Gravity explained that doctors asked him to undergo a series of tests and that a kidney function test showed his kidneys now have “serious problems.” He said his high blood pressure damaged his heart, which in turn affected […]
AMVCA: Bovi, Nomzamo Mbatha to host 12th edition
Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha have been officially announced as co hosts of the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The prestigious film and television awards ceremony will hold on May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The pair will take over from popular presenter IK Osakioduwa, who anchored the show for 10 straight editions and became synonymous with its glitz and energy. Reacting to his appointment, Bovi said hosting the AMVCA stage comes with both excitement and responsibility. “The AMVCA stage is one of the biggest in Africa, and I don’t take that lightly,” he noted, promising to bring the energy, laughs and magic that the celebration of African storytelling deserves. Nomzamo Mbatha, an actress, producer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, brings significant global star power to the […]
Rangers target Blackburn’s Alebiosu to fill Tavernier void
Scottish giants Rangers have identified Nigerian defender Ryan Alebiosu as a leading candidate to replace long serving captain James Tavernier at right back. With Tavernier widely expected to leave Ibrox at the end of the season, the club is actively scouring the market for defensive reinforcements and has zeroed in on Alebiosu following his impressive performances in England. The 23 year old full back is under contract with Blackburn Rovers until 2028 and has also attracted interest from Serie A side Genoa, Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg and Premier League club Everton. Blackburn’s uncertain league position could influence negotiations, with reports suggesting relegation fears might force the club to consider a lower fee than originally expected. As Rangers prepare for a new era beyond Tavernier, Alebiosu’s energy, versatility and development potential make him a strong option to fill the looming void on […]
EPL: Arsenal eye return to top spot, Spurs fight for survival
Arsenal can reclaim top spot in the Premier League this weekend while Tottenham Hotspur face a desperate scrap for survival at the bottom of the table. Mikel Arteta’s side go into the round level with Manchester City on 70 points after 33 matches, with both teams boasting a goal difference of +37. City lead only on goals scored and are on FA Cup duty against Southampton, giving Arsenal the chance to move back above them when they host Newcastle on Saturday evening. The Gunners saw a nine point advantage evaporate and lost 2–1 to City at the Etihad last weekend, but they are viewed as having the easier run in on paper. If they beat or even draw with Newcastle, they will return to the summit, and they also play before City again next week, meaning they could be six […]
NFF steps up pursuit of Newcastle’s Osula for Eagles
The Nigeria Football Federation has intensified efforts to convince Newcastle United forward William Osula to switch his international allegiance from Denmark to the Super Eagles. The 22 year old, who joined Newcastle from Sheffield United, has enjoyed a surge in form in recent weeks after a slow start to the season, highlighted by a decisive goal against Manchester United that boosted his profile in the Premier League. Osula, who has Nigerian roots and has endeared himself to local fans with a viral clip of him cooking Ogbono soup while playfully mocking opponents, remains eligible to represent multiple countries. Born in Copenhagen to a Danish mother and a Nigerian French father, he has played for Denmark at youth level and recently received a senior call up but is yet to make a competitive appearance. Reports suggest the NFF has opened contacts […]
High Court rules FCCPC can probe customers’ complaints against banks, other financial institutions
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has the power to investigate consumers’ complaints against banks and other financial institutions. The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed a suit filed by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which had challenged the Commission’s jurisdiction in matters involving a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). UBA’s case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, was thrown out in its entirety and the bank was fined N2 million for filing what the judge described as a frivolous and unmeritorious action. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment as “a big victory for bank customers,” saying it strengthens advocacy for consumer rights in the financial sector. In its statement signed by Corporate Affairs Director Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission explained […]
Related
Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Iran peace talks stall
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks even as U.S. efforts to secure a broader peace deal with Iran remain stuck. President Donald Trump announced the extension in Washington on Thursday after meeting the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, saying he believed “there’s a very good chance of having peace” and calling it “an easy one” to achieve, despite recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and renewed rocket fire from Iran backed Hezbollah. The initial truce between Israel and Lebanon had been due to expire on Sunday. At the same time, Trump signalled he is in no hurry to end the wider war with Iran, warning that “the clock is ticking” for Tehran as a third U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, arrived in the Middle East to join two other carriers already operating […]
US boards tanker in Iran oil blockade push
The US Department of Defense has confirmed that American forces boarded a tanker suspected of carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, marking the latest escalation in Washington’s naval campaign against Tehran. According to officials, the operation targeted the vessel M/T Majestic X and was conducted as part of a “maritime interdiction” — a naval procedure used to inspect or seize ships believed to be violating international sanctions or supporting hostile activities. This move follows a broader maritime blockade imposed by the United States on 13 April, aimed at restricting traffic to and from Iranian ports. Since then, United States Central Command says dozens of vessels have been ordered to turn back, as enforcement efforts intensify across key shipping routes. Tensions have risen further after Donald Trump instructed the US Navy to take direct action against any boats suspected of […]
Russia faces backlash over internet curbs
Near the Kremlin, dozens of people recently gathered outside the presidential administration building to submit petitions urging authorities to ease restrictions on internet access. While such actions are legal in Russia, they carry risks in a climate of increasing control over digital space. In recent weeks, Russian authorities have tightened oversight of the internet. Access to global messaging platforms has been restricted, and mobile internet disruptions—including temporary shutdowns—have been reported in several regions. Officials say these measures are necessary for security purposes, particularly to prevent potential attacks. The atmosphere around these petitions is tense. Participants acknowledge the risks involved, with reports of security personnel monitoring and filming those taking part. Despite this, many say they feel compelled to speak out. For citizens and businesses alike, the impact is tangible. Entrepreneurs note that restrictions on platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp […]
US soldier charged over Maduro insider betting
A US special forces soldier has been arrested after allegedly using classified military information to profit from bets placed before the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro became public. According to the US Department of Justice, the soldier, identified as Gannon Ken Van Dyke, is accused of placing a series of trades on a prediction platform while directly involved in planning the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest in January. Prosecutors say he used sensitive, nonpublic information to anticipate the outcome and timing of the mission. Investigators allege that Van Dyke created an account in late December 2025 and placed multiple transactions linked to political developments in Venezuela. In total, he reportedly invested more than $33,000 and generated profits exceeding $400,000 once the operation was carried out. The military operation, carried out overnight on 3 January, resulted in Maduro and […]
Everest route blocked by massive glacier
A massive block of glacier is currently obstructing the main climbing route on Mount Everest, raising concerns as the peak climbing season begins in Nepal. Positioned just below Camp 1, the ice formation—known as a serac—stands about 30 meters high and has proven impossible to bypass safely. Teams of “icefall doctors,” responsible for securing ropes and ladders along the route, say there is no viable alternative path for now. Their only option is to wait for the ice to naturally weaken and collapse, which they hope will happen within days. This unexpected obstacle has delayed preparations significantly. By this time of year, routes are typically secured up to Camp 3, but work has stalled roughly 600 meters below Camp 1. The delay could compress the already short climbing window, increasing the risk of overcrowding as climbers attempt to summit within […]
Trump sees UK royal visit boosting ties
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla could help strengthen ties between the United States and the United Kingdom. Speaking in a phone interview, Trump described the British monarch as “a fantastic man” and said the visit would have a positive impact on bilateral relations. The four-day trip, scheduled to begin next week, will include meetings at the White House and an address by the King to Congress. The visit comes at a time of visible tensions between Washington and London, particularly over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump also commented on his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting the British leader could improve his standing if he adjusted his policies on immigration and energy. Starmer, however, has maintained that his decisions are guided by national […]
Be the first to leave a comment