Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed for Washington on Saturday for talks with US President Donald Trump. The visit comes after the latest round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations concluded in Italy. Officials said discussions will focus on the ceasefire and regional security.
According to the Lebanese presidency, Aoun will meet senior US officials to discuss the situation in Lebanon, strengthening the ceasefire, and securing Israel’s withdrawal from areas it still occupies in southern Lebanon. The trip marks the first visit to Washington by a Lebanese head of state since 2009.
The visit follows US-sponsored negotiations between Lebanon and Israel that began in April to achieve a lasting peace agreement after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. On June 26, both sides reached a framework agreement under which Israeli forces would withdraw from southern Lebanon while the Lebanese army deploys in designated pilot zones.
Read more: Lebanon president says deal with Israel ‘does not legitimise
However, implementation of the agreement depends on the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Hezbollah has rejected both the proposed arrangement and the negotiations with Israel. Following talks in Rome this week, US officials said both sides agreed on guidelines for implementing the pilot zones.
A Lebanese military source said the army has increased patrols in villages near Israeli-held areas, including Froun in the Bint Jbeil district, to prepare for the agreement’s implementation. The military deployment is intended to support security arrangements outlined in the ceasefire framework.
Read more: White House invites Lebanon’s Aoun to US
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported fresh Israeli airstrikes on two towns near the so-called security zone in the Tyre and Nabatieh regions. The US Embassy also renewed its advisory urging American citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon because of heightened regional tensions.
President Aoun’s Washington visit is expected to reinforce US diplomatic efforts to stabilise southern Lebanon and advance the ceasefire agreement. Observers will closely watch whether the talks produce progress on security arrangements and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.