Lebanese President Michel Aoun informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of his refusal to communicate with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming a prior decision not to engage in direct contact. This comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts, as the Israeli army prepares to implement a ceasefire in Lebanon, with instructions given to forces to be ready for it to take effect between 7:00 PM and midnight.

According to Israeli sources cited by Fox News, Israel believes that ongoing talks with Lebanon could potentially lead to Lebanon joining the Abraham Accords. Meanwhile, following a phone call between Aoun and Rubio, the Lebanese presidency issued a brief statement expressing appreciation for Washington’s efforts to secure a ceasefire.

Rubio, in turn, emphasized that the United States will continue working to achieve calm and stability in the region, while expressing support for Aoun’s position. The developments highlight a complex political moment, where ceasefire efforts intersect with broader regional negotiations that could shape future relations in the Middle East.