Trump announces talks between leaders of Israel and Lebanon on April 16

American President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will hold talks on April 16.

"It has been a long time since the leaders of the two countries last spoke, specifically 34 years. This will happen tomorrow. Great," he wrote on Truth Social.

As previously reported, Lebanon and Israel have agreed to start direct bilateral negotiations, which are set to take place in Washington.

During consultations held at the State Department, the delegations of the two countries were led by the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel in Washington, Nada Hammade-Mouawwad and Yehiel Leiter. The Lebanese side called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty. In turn, the Israeli delegation expressed support for the process of disarming "non-state terrorist groups" in the Arab republic and also indicated readiness for direct dialogue.

"The United States confirmed that any agreement on the cessation of hostilities must be reached between the two governments with the mediation of the United States, and not through any separate negotiation channel. The US indicated that these talks will help pave the way for significant reconstruction aid and economic revival for Lebanon, as well as expand investment opportunities for both countries," the State Department statement said.

Source: TASS