U.S. President Donald Trump held a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. During the meeting, Trump promised aid to Lebanon but did not provide any timeline for Israel's withdrawal from the country's south.
In remarks to journalists, Trump claimed that Israel is 'in the process of redeploying to other areas.' However, Israel has not withdrawn from any area it has occupied since March.
Pilot Zone Announcement
The U.S. State Department announced on Monday the establishment of the first 'pilot zone' under the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement. These zones envision the Lebanese army deploying to previously occupied towns and the end of Hezbollah's military presence. However, the three towns included in the first pilot zone were already not under Israeli control; therefore, Israel did not withdraw from them.
Israel is systematically razing villages in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials openly state their goal of completely eliminating border towns.
Aoun Praises Trump
Lebanese President Aoun, speaking alongside Trump, did not address Israel's violations. Instead, he heaped praise on the U.S. leader and described the U.S.-brokered framework agreement as 'a historic achievement aimed at ending the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel forever.'
Trump, for his part, said Lebanon has been 'mistreated' for decades but did not elaborate on the source of that treatment. 'We will help them a lot,' Trump said, adding that he was honored to host Aoun and his delegation.
Syria's Intervention Proposal
Trump reiterated his suggestion that neighboring Syria should intervene militarily in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. This proposal has been repeatedly rejected by Syrian officials. Trump also once again expressed admiration for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, saying, 'He brought Syria together. He wants to do something about Hezbollah. He has been fighting Hezbollah for a long time. I think he would be very effective.'
Trump Open to Talks with Hezbollah
Trump also said he is open to direct talks with Hezbollah. 'I would talk to Hezbollah. I talk to everyone,' the U.S. President said, adding that he could make contact with Hezbollah if Aoun wanted.
Aoun, for his part, called for support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), emphasizing that the army is 'the backbone of security and stability.' Hezbollah harshly criticizes the framework agreement, which includes Aoun's engagement in direct negotiations with Israel and Lebanon's commitment not to hold Israel accountable in international courts for its violations. Aoun, in turn, accuses Hezbollah of dragging Lebanon into war on behalf of Iran and argues that only the Lebanese army should be an armed force in the country.
Ridvan Sezer | Editor-in-Chief
