Jerusalem / Beirut, Apr 16 (V7N) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold a phone conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun today, according to an Israeli cabinet official, marking a potentially rare high-level contact between the two countries.

Israeli Cabinet member Gila Gamliel told Army Radio that the call would take place on Thursday, confirming earlier remarks that Prime Minister Netanyahu would speak with the Lebanese president. The development was also reported by Al Jazeera.

According to Gamliel, this would be the first known direct communication between the two leaders after a prolonged breakdown in official dialogue between Israel and Lebanon. She suggested that the initiative could contribute to regional stability and “pave the way for prosperity and development for Lebanon.”

However, Lebanese sources quoted by Reuters said they had no confirmation or prior knowledge of any scheduled phone call, indicating uncertainty over whether the conversation will actually take place.

The reported contact comes amid continued regional tensions and diplomatic efforts involving multiple Middle Eastern states.

END/SMA/AJ