Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, July 21st, to discuss a framework agreement for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. This meeting follows Aoun's Sunday discussion with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where the possibility of US investments in Lebanon and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, suspended since 1985, were raised. Rubio described his meeting with Aoun as "very positive" and acknowledged Hezbollah as Lebanon's biggest problem.
The discussions center on a trilateral framework agreement, reached in June by Lebanon, Israel, and the US, which outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This withdrawal is contingent upon the deployment of the Lebanese military and the removal of weapons and military infrastructure belonging to non-state armed groups, a provision widely understood to target Hezbollah. "Pilot zone operations" have already begun in villages like Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar Al-Gharbiya to test this process.
Aoun is expected to present Trump with a proposal specifically addressing the disarmament of Hezbollah and an Israeli withdrawal from these pilot zones. While the framework calls for an Israeli "redeployment," critics argue that this term implicitly legitimizes Israel's military presence. Aoun is seeking US guarantees to pressure Israel into implementing the agreement, as previous talks in Rome ended without a firm timetable for its execution. The Lebanese military will be responsible for securing these pilot zones and clearing them of "terrorist weapons and infrastructure."
Beyond military and security discussions, Aoun is also expected to advocate for a reconstruction and relief package for southern Lebanon, which has suffered significant damage from Israeli strikes, and increased US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The visit marks Aoun's first trip to the US since taking office, and he will also meet with members of the US Senate and other Trump administration officials. The overall aim is to strengthen the ceasefire, secure Israel's withdrawal, and restore security and stability in Lebanon.
