Trump: Lebanese and Israeli Leaders to Speak; Pakistan Links Lebanon Peace to Iran Talks

The Kathmandu Post reports on a significant diplomatic development: US President Donald Trump's announcement that Lebanese and Israeli leaders are slated to speak for the first time in over three decades. This potential breakthrough, framed by Trump as an effort to "get a little breathing room," arrives at a critical juncture, with Pakistan emphasizing the necessity of peace in Lebanon for broader regional stability.

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It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, underscored that peace in Lebanon is "essential for (Iran) peace talks," highlighting the interconnectedness of the conflicts. This mediation effort by Pakistan between Washington and Tehran aims to end the Iran war, which has spilled over into the Lebanon conflict. The article notes that the Lebanon conflict escalated after Hezbollah, backed by Iran, entered the fray in support of Tehran, prompting an Israeli offensive.

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Peace in Lebanon is essential for (Iran) peace talks.

While Trump expressed optimism and a member of Israel's security cabinet confirmed the impending call, a senior Lebanese official stated that Beirut had no information about such a conversation. This discrepancy underscores the complexities and potential sensitivities surrounding direct communication between the two nations. The report also touches upon the internal Lebanese political dynamics, particularly the government's strained relationship with Hezbollah over its military activities, which Beirut had banned. The US administration, while not explicitly demanding a ceasefire, has indicated its support for an end to hostilities as part of a peace agreement.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would “speak for the first time with the president of Lebanon after so many years of no contact between the ​two countries”.