An Israeli official denies a report in The Washington Post claiming that Israel is working to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon as a “gift” to the incoming Trump administration.“There has been an ongoing dialogue with the Biden administration to reach a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution that will translate Israel’s military degradation of Hezbollah into a sustainable calm that will allow civilians to return to their homes,

Donald Trump has said he wants to bring an end to the wars in the Middle East, but he also told Netanyahu during a call to “do what you have to do.”

Israel's leadership is said to be keen to present an "easy win" political coup to the incoming American President.