Lebanon has said it is not aware of any upcoming contact with Israel. The statement came after US President Donald Trump claimed that leaders of the two countries would speak soon.
An official Lebanese source said no such communication had been planned. The source added that Beirut had not received any information through official channels. The statement was made on condition of anonymity.
Earlier, President Trump said the United States was trying to create “breathing room” between Israel and Lebanon. He claimed that the two sides had not spoken in 34 years. He also suggested that contact could happen soon.
Lebanese officials, however, rejected any knowledge of such plans. They maintained that no formal or informal contact had been arranged.
A US official said Washington supports efforts to reduce tensions. The United States wants a lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon. However, it is not pushing for an immediate ceasefire.
The official clarified that talks between the US and Iran are separate. These negotiations are not linked to any potential Israel-Lebanon peace efforts.
Washington’s focus is on building trust. It aims to create space for future agreements. Officials believe both sides need to develop political momentum for any lasting deal.
Previously, Israel and Lebanon agreed to hold direct negotiations. This understanding came after a trilateral meeting hosted by the US in Washington. The timing and venue were to be decided later.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to take a heavy toll. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,100 people. Over one million people have been displaced since early March.
Israel has also launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon. Fighting intensified after renewed clashes between Hezbollah and Israel.
The latest escalation followed a major regional development. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel attack on February 28. This incident further widened the conflict across the region.
