Israeli Minister Confirms Netanyahu to Speak with Lebanese President Aoun
An Israeli minister confirmed that PM Netanyahu will have a historic phone call with Lebanese President Aoun today, marking the first dialogue between the two nations after years of severed ties.
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- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 20:53
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Central News Agency
(CNA, Jerusalem, 16th - Foreign dispatch) Israeli Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun today. This marks the first time Israeli officials have confirmed that the two sides will engage in dialogue.
According to AFP, Gamliel told Israeli Army Radio today: "The Prime Minister will have the first phone call with the Lebanese President after so many years of completely severed dialogue between the two countries."
She said, "Hopefully, this step will ultimately bring prosperity and flourishing to the Lebanese state." Gamliel is a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party.
US President Donald Trump had previously stated that the "leaders" of Israel and Lebanon would speak for the first time today, which would be a historic first.
Speaking about Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite fundamentalist militia, Gamliel said: "We are taking a historic step on all levels, transitioning from mere containment in the past to completely eradicating any potential threat that attempts to harm the people of the State of Israel."
A Lebanese official source told AFP, "We are unaware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, nor have we been notified through official channels."
Netanyahu's office declined to comment when asked by AFP about the upcoming talks.
Ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States met in Washington on the 14th and agreed to start direct negotiations.
Netanyahu declared two core goals yesterday: "First, dismantle Hezbollah; second, achieve lasting peace through strength."
Hezbollah condemned the talks, calling them a "surrender." (Translated by: Ho Hung-ju) 1150416
Central News Agency
(CNA, Jerusalem, 16th - Foreign dispatch) Israeli Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun today. This marks the first time Israeli officials have confirmed that the two sides will engage in dialogue.
According to AFP, Gamliel told Israeli Army Radio today: "The Prime Minister will have the first phone call with the Lebanese President after so many years of completely severed dialogue between the two countries."
She said, "Hopefully, this step will ultimately bring prosperity and flourishing to the Lebanese state." Gamliel is a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party.
US President Donald Trump had previously stated that the "leaders" of Israel and Lebanon would speak for the first time today, which would be a historic first.
Speaking about Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite fundamentalist militia, Gamliel said: "We are taking a historic step on all levels, transitioning from mere containment in the past to completely eradicating any potential threat that attempts to harm the people of the State of Israel."
A Lebanese official source told AFP, "We are unaware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, nor have we been notified through official channels."
Netanyahu's office declined to comment when asked by AFP about the upcoming talks.
Ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States met in Washington on the 14th and agreed to start direct negotiations.
Netanyahu declared two core goals yesterday: "First, dismantle Hezbollah; second, achieve lasting peace through strength."
Hezbollah condemned the talks, calling them a "surrender." (Translated by: Ho Hung-ju) 1150416