Trump says he 'had a very good call with Hezbollah' to end 'shooting' in Lebanon

What Happened

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he held "a very good call with Hezbollah" aimed at implementing a ceasefire with Israel in Lebanon, though no details of direct communication with the group were provided. Trump also wrote on Truth Social that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that "there will be no Troops going to Beirut," claiming any forces en route had been turned back. The statement followed renewed Israeli forced expulsion orders targeting Beirut's southern suburbs, areas historically controlled by Hezbollah. Neither the Israeli government nor Hezbollah has publicly confirmed the substance of Trump's claims regarding troop movements or direct talks.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Trump's claim of direct communication with Hezbollah, if accurate, would represent an unprecedented channel between Washington and the Iran-backed group, which the US designates as a terrorist organization. The assertion that Israeli ground forces intended for Beirut have been recalled—if verified—would signal a significant de-escalation in Israel's Lebanon campaign, which has seen repeated airstrikes and displacement orders in Hezbollah-controlled areas since October 2023. However, the lack of corroboration from Israeli, Lebanese, or Hezbollah sources raises questions about the accuracy or scope of Trump's statements, and whether any operational change has actually occurred on the ground.

Watch For

Monitor Israeli military activity in southern Beirut and the broader Dahieh suburbs for any cessation of expulsion orders or airstrikes, which would substantiate Trump's claim of a de-escalation. Watch for official statements from Hezbollah's media office or Secretary-General Naim Qassem regarding any ceasefire negotiations or direct US contact. Track whether the Israeli government or IDF publicly confirm or deny orders to halt troop deployments to Beirut. Any resumption of cross-border rocket fire from southern Lebanon or Israeli retaliatory strikes would indicate the claimed ceasefire framework has not taken hold.