A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is not expected anytime soon, despite public statements from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting progress toward de-escalation, according to Israel Today newspaper, citing high-level informed sources.
The report comes amid heightened diplomatic activity, including rare direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington this week — the first such contact in decades — and Trump’s recent comments teasing potential dialogue between the leaders of both countries.
US President Trump has publicly expressed hope for “breathing room” between Israel and Lebanon, noting that leaders from both sides could hold talks as early as Thursday. He described the situation as a “separate skirmish” from the broader U.S.-Iran ceasefire and indicated openness to an end to hostilities.
Ongoing Military and Diplomatic Context
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued intermittently even as broader regional tensions involving Iran have seen a fragile two-week pause. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and beyond have persisted, while Lebanese officials express hope for a breakthrough “soon” in separate reporting.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the historic Washington meeting, focusing on long-term security arrangements rather than an instant truce. European allies have added pressure for de-escalation, but Israeli sources emphasize that any agreement must address core threats to northern Israeli communities.