OREANDA-NEWS  US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a "tense" telephone conversation shortly before Netanyahu announced the start of direct ceasefire talks with Lebanon in the near future, CNN reported, citing a source.

According to the broadcaster, this was at least the third conversation between the leaders on Lebanon this week. So, on Tuesday, Trump and Netanyahu talked before Trump announced a two-week cease-fire with Iran. Then, according to the source, Netanyahu convinced Trump that the truce should not apply to Lebanon.

In response to a CNN request, Netanyahu's office called this description of the conversation between Trump and Netanyahu on Thursday "fake news" and added that the conversation took place in a friendly atmosphere.

The White House did not comment on the information.

The day before, Trump confirmed earlier information that he had asked Netanyahu to reduce the intensity of Israeli operations in Lebanon. Netanyahu, in turn, said he had ordered direct talks with the Lebanese government.