Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed that the recent US-Lebanese presidential meeting should be evaluated based on tangible outcomes rather than appearances. Berri expressed disappointment over the lack of a lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawals, citing ongoing Israeli actions near occupied villages despite a partial withdrawal from Zawtar al-Gharbiyah. He emphasized the need for concrete progress, which he believes has not yet materialized.
US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met in Washington to advance a US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Israeli forces initiated a partial withdrawal from Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, the first step under the agreement, but tensions arose as Israeli forces fired near Lebanese army units, potentially impeding further deployment. Aoun urged Trump to assist Lebanon in achieving enduring peace and emphasized the importance of permanently ending hostilities with Israel.
Aoun expressed gratitude to Trump for his support in finalizing a framework agreement with Israel, describing it as a significant milestone. He called for lasting peace in Lebanon and highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to achieve this goal. Trump reaffirmed US support for Lebanon, promising substantial assistance and mentioning plans to bolster the Lebanese army’s capabilities.
