In an accelerated push to advance a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, Ron Dermer, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s minister of strategic affairs, met with former President Donald Trump and advisor Jared Kushner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate this week. The discussions, focused on a potential ceasefire in Lebanon, aim to offer President-elect Trump an early foreign policy success, The Washington Post reported citing current and former Israeli officials briefed on the talks.

“There is an understanding that Israel would gift something to Trump … that in January there will be an understanding about Lebanon,” an Israeli official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said.

Although Netanyahu’s office and Trump’s spokesperson declined to comment, sources indicate Kushner could play a future advisory role in negotiations related to Israeli-Arab normalization, including with Saudi Arabia, even if not appointed to a formal position in the White House.

During the Mar-a-Lago meeting, discussions revolved around an Israeli ceasefire proposal in Lebanon, with planned collaboration among Western nations and Russia. As part of the proposed agreement, Hezbollah forces would retreat north of the Litani River—a move aimed at reinforcing the U.N.-monitored buffer zone established after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict. 

A source close to Hezbollah said the group is open to withdrawing its fighters north of the Litani as a temporary ceasefire measure. As part of the deal, the Lebanese army would assume control of the border region for an initial 60-day period, under the watch of the U.S. and U.K. However, Israeli demands to maintain cross-border operations in cases of violations remain a point of contention, as Lebanese officials oppose Israeli military presence within Lebanese territory.

Israel’s proposal also incorporates Russian involvement to restrict Hezbollah’s access to weaponry via Syrian land routes—a vital supply channel from Iran, the group’s main backer. Russian diplomats visited Israel to discuss the matter on October 27, and Dermer held follow-up discussions with Moscow last week, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. While Russia’s Foreign Ministry did not comment, a senior U.S. official clarified that Russia would not take part in enforcing or supervising any ceasefire.

As Israel relies on Russia to pressure Syria to curb Hezbollah’s supply chains, Hezbollah finds itself increasingly isolated. 

“Hezbollah is cornered," a source close to the group noted.

Following Mar-a-Lago, Dermer met with Biden officials in Washington, including Amos Hochstein, special envoy to Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, Biden’s team is coordinating efforts, with progress reportedly underway.