View of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 17, 2026, as smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfs the U.S. capital. Photo Kent NISHIMURA / AFP
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun departed Beirut for Washington on Saturday, where he is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, days after the latest round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations concluded in Rome.
In addition to the Lebanese-American summit at the White House, Aoun is also scheduled to meet with several U.S. officials to discuss the situation in Lebanon and ways to strengthen the cease-fire, particularly in the South, as well as Israel's withdrawal from the Lebanese areas it occupies, according to a statement by the president's office
Aoun is also accompanied by the first lady, Neemat Aoun.
Israeli troops have occupied parts of southern Lebanon since the latest war began on March 2. A process of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began in April, followed by the signing of a framework agreement in June. The latest round of talks concluded this week in Rome. Aoun's visit comes as Lebanon seeks stronger U.S. backing to reinforce the cease-fire with Israel and secure an Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas in southern Lebanon.
Earlier this week, Trump reiterated his support for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israel, however, has so far refused to withdraw from villages located within what it dubbed the "Yellow Line." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is instead seeking U.S. approval for a new type of military operation involving targeted incursions into areas controlled by Hezbollah to dismantle its positions and seize its weapons before transferring control of those areas to the Lebanese Army. All such operations would take place outside the so-called "Yellow Line" and in areas Israel does not control.
Netanyahu is expected to discuss the aforementioned proposal with Trump during a visit scheduled soon to Washington. He was initially scheduled to depart on Saturday; however, his visit has been postponed.
According to L'Orient Today's sources, Aoun is approaching his visit to the U.S. with confidence, convinced Trump will offer increased support for Lebanon, including backing for an international conference in support of the Lebanese Army.
Israel continues detonations, drone attacks, military operations in several districts of south Lebanon