Trump hosts Lebanon's president as Israel begins first pullback
Summary
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will meet President Donald Trump as Israel begins its first military withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a U.S.-arranged agreement. The withdrawal is a test to give control of certain areas to the Lebanese Armed Forces and reduce Hezbollah’s presence.Key Facts
- President Aoun will visit the White House, the first Lebanese president to do so since 2009.
- Israel started pulling back its troops from several villages in southern Lebanon as part of a pilot agreement brokered by the U.S.
- The Lebanese Armed Forces will take responsibility for securing these areas and clearing out Hezbollah’s weapons.
- The U.S. is working with Israel and Lebanon to decide who will verify that the Lebanese Armed Forces have fully cleared the zones.
- The withdrawal is seen as a test of Lebanese government control and a step toward possible peace between Israel and Lebanon.
- U.S. officials warn that any Hezbollah attempts to interfere could harm peace efforts and the well-being of Lebanese citizens.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports strengthening Lebanon’s government and military to replace Hezbollah’s influence.
- President Trump is encouraging Israel to continue its withdrawal but expects major progress after Israel’s elections in October.
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