The US reiterates its backing for a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun after the latter said yesterday that such engagement wouldn’t be appropriate until a security deal is reached with Jerusalem in which the IDF would halt attacks in Lebanon.
“President Trump has been clear that direct engagement between the two countries is the best way to swiftly advance a lasting peace and security agreement,” a State Department official says in a statement sent to querying reporters.
“Diplomacy is ongoing, and we will not comment on our ongoing discussions with the two countries,” the official continues, apparently referencing reports that the US is working to schedule a third round of ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington next week.
“Hezbollah is still trying to derail negotiations with attacks on Israel and threats inside of Lebanon,” the State Department official says. “We are working to create the conditions and political momentum needed to move this forward.”
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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
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