BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 28 (UPI) -- Lebanon and Israel have embarked on direct negotiations to potentially end their decades-long military conflict, but their differing priorities, objectives and expectations raise concerns about the process's viability and its reliance on U.S. President Donald Trump's personal involvement.
Trump, who surprised everyone by attending the second meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors last week in Washington, also has his own interests, calculations and a hasty negotiation style.
He pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept Lebanon's request for extending the April 17 cease-fire and embarrassed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun by inviting him to meet Netanyahu at the White House.
In an unexpected policy shift last month, Aoun announced he was ready for direct negotiations with Israel -- a proposal initially ignored by Netanyahu -- to secure a full truce and end Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
However, his plans do not include any phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or in-person meetings with him.
