Donald Trump announces White House invitation for Lebanese President Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
via Business News1 min read
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, April 16, 2026, his intention to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the White House for what he described as "the first significant discussions between Israel and Lebanon since 1983." In a message on Truth Social, Trump stated that "both countries want to see peace," suggesting a potential diplomatic opening between the two states, which are officially at war and lack diplomatic relations. This announcement follows reports from international agencies indicating a preliminary agreement between Israel and Lebanon to engage in direct negotiations after recent discussions in Washington. These exchanges were described as "productive," though no specific timeline or formal mechanism has been established for future talks. Trump also mentioned a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, presented as an initial step to foster dialogue, although international agencies note its fragility. Despite this diplomatic overture, significant differences persist; Lebanon reportedly conditions progress on a cessation of hostilities, while Israel emphasizes the issue of Hezbollah and security guarantees. Neither Israeli nor Lebanese authorities have officially confirmed a potential White House meeting. The reference to 1983 recalls the last known direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, part of the May 17 agreement mediated by the US after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, which was never fully
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