Lebanon’s president refuses US-backed call with Israeli PM

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has rejected to hold a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump describing a “historic” conversation between the leaders “for the first time in 34 years.”

According to reports in Lebanon, President Aoun informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of his decision during a call on April 16, Ynet reports.

The Lebanese president made clear he would not engage in direct talks with Netanyahu at this stage.

Two Lebanese officials said the Lebanese embassy in Washington had also informed the US administration prior to Aoun’s call with Rubio that he would not speak to the Israeli prime minister.

The planned conversation had reportedly been expected to take place two days after a high-level meeting in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese representatives, amid ongoing tensions and continued attacks by Hezbollah in northern Israel.

US President Donald Trump had earlier announced that direct talks between Israel and Lebanon would take place on April 16, stating that “it has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken.”

“Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

By Vafa Guliyeva