Lebanese President Aoun to meet Trump, seeks Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament
This week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to visit the White House for discussions with US President Donald Trump, marking the first time in nearly two decades that a Lebanese leader has made such a visit. Aoun, a former commander of Lebanon's US-supported military, intends to propose a strategy aimed at disarming the Iran-supported group Hezbollah and facilitating Israel's exit from southern Lebanon. Their meeting on Tuesday occurs amidst Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, displacing hundreds of thousands. Aoun plans to urge Trump to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to a US-mediated agreement from June 26, which includes disarmament of Hezbollah and troop withdrawal. Aoun, elected president last year shortly before Trump’s second term began, believes Trump holds the necessary influence to encourage Israel to restore Lebanon's sovereignty. Hezbollah has dismissed any direct negotiations with Israel and disarmament initiatives.
Key facts
- President Joseph Aoun will meet President Donald Trump at the White House this week.
- This is the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the White House in nearly 20 years.
- Aoun was commander of Lebanon's US-backed army before becoming president.
- The meeting aims to disarm Hezbollah and secure Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- Israeli troops occupy parts of southern Lebanon and hundreds of thousands are displaced.
- Aoun will ask Trump to pressure Israel to implement a US-brokered June 26 agreement.
- Hezbollah has rejected direct talks with Israel and disarmament efforts.
- A Lebanese official said Aoun believes only Trump has leverage to pressure Israel.
Entities
Institutions
- White House
- Hezbollah
- Lebanese government
- Israeli government
- US government
- Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)
- TWA
Locations
- Lebanon
- United States
- White House
- Washington, D.C.
- southern Lebanon
- Majdel Selm
- Iran
- Washington
- Israel
- Froun village