Nawaf Salam, Lebanon's prime minister, appealed directly to President Trump for urgent U.S. intervention to secure an immediate ceasefire and to help broker direct talks with Israel. Lebanon reports roughly 1,000 dead — including more than 100 children — and about one million displaced. Salam said Lebanon lacks the capacity to disarm Hezbollah without outside military assistance, rejected foreign troops, and insisted any deal must fully restore Lebanese sovereignty. He added that formal negotiations cannot proceed until Lebanon receives a clear agenda from Israel.
Lebanon Appeals to Trump for Immediate Ceasefire and Direct Talks With Israel
An explosion erupts from a building following an Israeli strike in central Beirut, Lebanon, on March 18, 2026. - Hussein Malla/AP
Lebanon's prime minister, Nawaf Salam, issued an urgent appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump, asking Washington to press for an immediate ceasefire and to help arrange direct negotiations with Israel as hostilities escalate.
Appeal to the United States
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Salam said he wanted a ceasefire "yesterday, not tomorrow," as Lebanon reported mounting casualties and widespread displacement. Lebanese officials say the death toll has reached around 1,000, including more than 100 children. Salam described the United States as a "strategic partner" and said Mr. Trump "more than anyone else" could play a decisive role in ending the fighting.
Readiness To Negotiate — With Conditions
Salam repeatedly expressed Lebanon's readiness to enter "immediate negotiations" with Israel, but emphasized preconditions: Lebanon must see a clear agenda from Israeli authorities, and any agreement must fully respect Lebanese sovereignty. Pressed on whether Lebanon would recognize Israel as part of a deal, Salam declined to commit without first receiving a detailed Israeli agenda.
Sovereignty, Disarmament And Foreign Troops
While the Lebanese government has pledged to pursue the disarmament of Hezbollah, Salam acknowledged that Lebanon lacks the military capacity to carry this out alone and urgently needs assistance for its army. He firmly rejected proposals for foreign troops on Lebanese soil, insisting that restoring and protecting national sovereignty is central to any peace arrangement.
Ground Offensive And Buffer Zone Concerns
Over the past week, Israeli forces have advanced deeper into southern Lebanon, occupying areas south of the Litani River and urging local residents to evacuate. Lebanese officials and Salam warned they will not accept any permanent "buffer zone" or security arrangement that constitutes an infringement on Lebanon's territory.
Humanitarian Crisis
Salam described a mounting humanitarian emergency: roughly one million Lebanese — nearly 20–25% of the population — have been displaced by the campaign and evacuation orders, affecting all of southern Lebanon below the Zahrani River and large parts of southern Beirut. "These people are also the victims of the war," he said, adding that Lebanon has been turned into a battlefield between regional actors.
"We have been for two weeks extending our hands to have direct talks with the Israelis. So far, we haven't received an agenda from the Israelis," Salam said. "Once we have a clear agenda, we will answer questions about possible concessions."
Salam also noted that France has proposed ideas for a settlement and that there have been contacts with U.S. officials, but he stopped short of saying formal negotiations have begun.
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