Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has repeatedly rejected direct talks or a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that any such engagement should follow implementation of the June 2026 U.S.-brokered framework agreement rather than precede it. Recent U.S. diplomatic pushes, including comments from President Trump suggesting imminent contact, were quickly contradicted by Lebanese officials and Aoun himself during discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Aoun continues to prioritize full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Lebanese army deployment to the border, prisoner returns, and reconstruction, while accusing Israel of ongoing violations. Traders are weighing these firm Lebanese positions, persistent border tensions, and U.S. mediation efforts against the low likelihood of an early direct leader-level conversation.