US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met at the White House to support a US-backed plan to improve relations between Lebanon and Israel. Trump expressed the US commitment to assisting Lebanon in overcoming its challenges and solving existing issues. He acknowledged the Hezbollah issue and highlighted actions taken to address it.
Aoun praised the US-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, emphasizing its significance for regional peace. He thanked Trump for the historic achievement and expressed optimism about the future relationship between Lebanon and Israel. Both leaders emphasized the importance of stability and security in the region.
The discussions also focused on strengthening Lebanon’s state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), to counterbalance Hezbollah’s influence. Aoun sought continued political support and backing for the LAF, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining stability in Lebanon. Trump mentioned plans for additional assistance to enhance the LAF’s capabilities.
Trump addressed Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon, mentioning ongoing redeployment efforts. He assured a review of reports regarding Israeli forces near Lebanese army positions. Trump also hinted at the potential inclusion of Lebanon in the broader regional normalization efforts, citing the success of the Abraham Accords. He expressed openness to the resumption of direct commercial flights between the US and Lebanon.
The meeting extended to discussing wider regional security challenges, including Iran and potential Houthi threats in the Red Sea. Trump indicated Iran’s interest in negotiations while emphasizing a strong stance against any nuclear ambitions. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of forceful responses to attacks on commercial shipping. The meeting primarily aimed at implementing the US-sponsored framework agreement to enhance stability and security in the region.
