US urges direct Israel-Lebanon talks amid fragile ceasefire

BEIRUT - The United States on Thursday pressed for direct high-level talks between Israel and Lebanon amid the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia.

"Lebanon stands at a crossroads. Its people have a historic opportunity to reclaim their country and shape their future as a truly sovereign, independent nation," the US embassy in Beirut said in a statement posted on X.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire in mid-April after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. However, mutual attacks between the Israeli military and Hezbollah continue. Israeli troops also remain stationed in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon is not formally considered a party to the conflict and has no direct control over Hezbollah.

"A direct meeting between President Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu, facilitated by President Trump, would give Lebanon the chance to secure concrete guarantees on full sovereignty, territorial integrity, secure borders, humanitarian and reconstruction support, and the complete restoration of Lebanese state authority over every inch of its territory - guaranteed by the United States," the U.S. embassy said.

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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 6:29 PM.