Lebanon President Joseph Aoun is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington as Beirut seeks American support for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and efforts to establish long-term stability after months of conflict.
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The meeting marks the conclusion of Aoun’s four-day visit to the United States and comes as Lebanon and Israel continue rare direct talks mediated by Washington. Lebanese officials hope the negotiations will lead to the removal of Israeli troops from areas currently under their control and strengthen the Lebanese military’s ability to maintain authority in regions previously influenced by Hezbollah.
Lebanon and Israel agreed on a “framework agreement” on June 26 that outlines steps for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, Hezbollah’s disarmament, and eventual progress toward a peace agreement between the two countries, which have remained technically at war for nearly eight decades.
The US State Department announced that operations had begun in three villages identified as part of a pilot zone, though details of the initiative were not immediately disclosed. The villages include Froun, Srifa and Zawtar al-Gharbieh.
During his Washington visit, Aoun also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington would continue supporting the Lebanon-Israel agreement and its implementation. Rubio stressed that Lebanon could not achieve full stability without addressing Hezbollah’s armed presence.
He said the US goal was not only security cooperation but also attracting international investment to help rebuild Lebanon’s damaged infrastructure and strengthen state institutions.
The Lebanese army has increased its presence in several areas expected to be included in the pilot zone, establishing checkpoints and expanding patrols. However, Israeli forces have not yet withdrawn from areas they currently occupy, while Israeli officials have indicated plans to maintain a security presence in parts of southern Lebanon.
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Hezbollah has rejected direct Lebanon-Israel talks and has instead supported US negotiations with Iran, its regional ally, as a possible pathway toward ending wider conflicts.
Lebanon’s government, which took power in 2025, has pledged to disarm all non-state armed groups. Officials argue that Israeli withdrawal and international support for Lebanon’s military are essential for achieving lasting security.