Lebanese President to meet Trump in high-stakes White House talks on Israel

The visit marks the first by a Lebanese head of state to the White House in nearly two decades and comes at a critical time for Lebanon

BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to visit the White House this week for his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, seeking Washington’s support to advance Hezbollah’s disarmament and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

The visit marks the first by a Lebanese head of state to the White House in nearly two decades and comes at a critical time for Lebanon, which continues to grapple with the aftermath of conflict, ongoing displacement, and political tensions.

According to Lebanese officials, Aoun will present President Trump with a written proposal outlining a roadmap for dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities. He is also expected to urge the US president to use American influence to press Israel to implement a US-mediated agreement reached on June 26, which calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament, a phased Israeli military withdrawal, and steps toward long-term stability between the two countries.

President Aoun has repeatedly stressed that restoring the Lebanese state’s exclusive control over weapons remains one of his top priorities. Since taking office last year, his administration has pursued efforts to reduce Hezbollah’s armed presence, while the Lebanese army has expanded its deployment in southern Lebanon under previous ceasefire arrangements.

The issue has become increasingly sensitive following renewed fighting that erupted after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in March, triggering a major Israeli military campaign that caused widespread destruction and significant casualties across Lebanon.

Aoun has openly criticised Hezbollah for dragging Lebanon into conflict and has argued that the country’s national interests should take precedence over regional power struggles. His willingness to support direct dialogue with Israel has also marked a significant shift in Lebanon’s political approach, drawing criticism from Hezbollah and its allies.

A former army commander backed by the United States during his military career, Aoun rose to the presidency after a prolonged political deadlock. Alongside security reforms, he has pledged to revive Lebanon’s economy, implement long-delayed governance reforms, and pursue accountability for the 2020 Beirut port explosion.

The upcoming White House meeting is expected to focus on regional security, Lebanon’s sovereignty, and the future of US support as the country navigates one of the most challenging periods in its recent history.