WASHINGTON, D.C. July 21, 2026 – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday as part of efforts to implement a U.S.-brokered framework agreement aimed at ending hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.
Aoun, who is on a four-day visit to Washington, described the framework signed in late June as having “the ultimate objective of ending the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel forever.” The agreement includes provisions for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese Armed Forces to extend their control in the area.
Israeli troops have already begun a limited withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon under a “pilot zone” arrangement. Lebanese army units started deploying into the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh on Tuesday as a test of the process.
During the Oval Office meeting, Aoun thanked Trump and his team for the “historic achievement” of the framework and sought continued U.S. support to ensure Israel completes its withdrawal. He also emphasized the need for American assistance in strengthening the Lebanese army.
Trump, in turn, pledged to help Lebanon “a lot” and described the country as having been “badly treated.” He indicated that Israeli forces are “in the process of redeploying” and said concrete plans are in place to support the transition.
This marks the first visit by a Lebanese president to the White House since 2009. The meeting comes amid broader U.S. efforts to stabilize the region following months of conflict involving Hezbollah.
The success of the pilot withdrawal will determine whether the framework expands to the rest of southern Lebanon. Both sides have expressed cautious optimism, though challenges remain in fully implementing the agreement and addressing Hezbollah’s military presence.
Further details from the meeting are expected in the coming days.
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