Report: Lebanon’s president tells Rubio he won’t speak with Netanyahu

By Stav Levaton

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16 April 2026, 3:22 pm

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Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a ceremony marking Army Day at the country's Defense Ministry in Yarzeh, near Beirut, Lebanon, July 31, 2025. (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that he will not speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Lebanese news outlet LBCI reports.

Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed reported today that efforts were underway to arrange a trilateral phone call between Aoun, Netanyahu and Rubio to discuss a possible ceasefire between the two countries.

Last night, US President Donald Trump touted a call between the leaders of Israel and Lebanon, but earlier today Aoun said a ceasefire would be a “natural starting point” for talks. Israel has so far not agreed to a ceasefire in its conflict with Hezbollah, the Lebanese terror group backed by Iran.