President Donald Trump held discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on Tuesday, during which he expressed a commitment to provide American support to Lebanon. However, the meeting produced no specific policy announcements or timelines regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces currently occupying the southern portion of the country.
When questioned about a potential withdrawal schedule, Trump indicated that Israel was already in the process of redeploying forces to other areas. In reality, Israeli forces have maintained their occupation since March without pulling back from any territory. The US State Department had announced the establishment of a pilot zone framework the previous day, intended to allow Lebanese military deployment to previously occupied towns and facilitate reconstruction and the return of residents. However, the three towns included in the initial pilot zone had not been under Israeli control, meaning no actual Israeli withdrawal occurred.
President Aoun praised Trump and the administration’s efforts, expressing gratitude for a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel that conditions Israeli withdrawal on the disarming of Hezbollah. Aoun did not address allegations of Israeli military actions during the meeting. Trump characterized Lebanon as having been “badly treated” historically and reiterated his stated willingness to assist the country substantially.
The president also renewed suggestions that Syria could play a military role in disarming Hezbollah, an idea Syrian authorities have consistently rejected. Trump expressed admiration for Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and suggested such intervention could be effective. When pressed on specific support measures, Trump declined to provide details but later announced authorization for direct US airline flights to Lebanon, citing benefits for Lebanese Americans visiting the country.
Additionally, Trump indicated openness to direct communications with Hezbollah, stating he speaks to various parties and would do so if the Lebanese president requested it. Aoun has previously called for strengthened support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, describing the military as essential to national security and stability. The framework agreement has drawn criticism from Hezbollah, which opposes Lebanon’s engagement with Israel and provisions that waive pursuit of accountability for Israeli actions through international channels.