Trump has called on Netanyahu to scale back strikes on Lebanon amid the ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back military strikes on Lebanon. This has been reported by NBC News and Axios.
The appeal was made during a telephone conversation after Benjamin Netanyahu stated his intention to continue the attacks. Washington believes that an escalation of hostilities in Lebanon could undermine diplomatic efforts regarding Iran.
According to media reports, during the conversation, Donald Trump asked the Israeli side to ‘scale back’ the strikes. US Special Representative Steve Witkoff also supported this position.
Following this, Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to begin direct talks with Lebanon. At the same time, Israeli officials state that military operations will continue.
US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated that Israel is showing a certain willingness to exercise restraint. “The Israelis, as I understand it, have offered to hold back somewhat in Lebanon to ensure the success of the negotiations,” he said during a visit to Budapest.
On 8 April, Israel launched one of the largest bombing campaigns in Lebanon since the start of the conflict with Iran. According to the Israeli army, the strikes targeted Hezbollah’s infrastructure, including weapons depots, launch sites and headquarters in southern Lebanon.
Iran condemned these actions, claiming they violated the terms of the ceasefire. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of possible consequences should the attacks continue.
One of the key issues remains the interpretation of the terms of the ceasefire between the US and Iran. Washington and Jerusalem insist that the agreements do not extend to Lebanon, whilst Tehran and Pakistani mediators claim the opposite.
Against this backdrop, Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his readiness for direct talks with Lebanon. He stated that he had instructed the government to begin them as soon as possible in response to requests from the Lebanese side.
It is expected that the discussions may concern the disarmament of Hezbollah and the stabilisation of relations between the countries. According to Axios, the talks could begin next week in Washington with the participation of US representatives.
The situation surrounding the ceasefire remains tense. Continued strikes, differences in the interpretation of agreements and warnings from Iran point to risks for further negotiations.
