US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak directly with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on April 16. 

Israel and Lebanon held their first direct bilateral negotiations in more than three decades at the US State Department in Washington on April 14 as IDF troops continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah strongholds.

One day later, reports emerged of a possible ceasefire coming into effect, though this did not appear to have materialised, with the IDF and Hezbollah continuing to exchange fire.

"Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon," Trump posted on Truth Social. "It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!"

An Israeli source told Kan News that advanced talks are underway for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with one potentially taking effect within days.

Netanyahu, for his part, framed the negotiations in maximalist terms. "The negotiations have two goals, the dismantling of Hezbollah and a lasting peace, based on strength," Netanyahu said in a televised address, adding that talks were proceeding "because we are very strong and the countries are coming to us."

Even as diplomatic activity accelerates, the IDF is set to expand its buffer zone in southern Lebanon, stretching it slightly eastward. Netanyahu said the expansion was necessary to "better help our Druze brothers in their time of need."

The defence establishment's position remains that IDF ground operations south of the Litani River will continue in parallel with any ceasefire, with a reduction in air strikes in areas where the Lebanese army deploys considered only as a secondary measure. A gradual IDF withdrawal, Israeli officials indicated, would be contingent on broader political progress between the two governments.

Netanyahu confirmed that the current fighting is concentrated around Bint Jbail, which he described as "the capital of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon," saying IDF forces are close to taking the town.

The IDF has released a video showing the expansion of the buffer zone in southern Lebanon.