Lebanon-US talks are set to enter a new phase as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed Beirut on Saturday for Washington, where he is expected to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, regional security and the implementation of agreements reached during recent negotiations with Israel.
According to the Lebanese presidency, Aoun will also meet senior US officials to discuss efforts to strengthen the ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories and broader cooperation between the two countries. The visit marks the first trip to Washington by a Lebanese head of state since Michel Sleiman met former US President Barack Obama in 2009.
The visit comes after US-sponsored negotiations between Israel and Lebanon resumed earlier this year. In June, both sides reached a framework agreement in Washington under which Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon while the Lebanese army would deploy in designated pilot zones.
Implementation of the agreement depends on the disarmament of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group that has rejected both the proposed deal and the ongoing negotiations with Israel. Despite diplomatic progress, major differences remain over the future security arrangements in southern Lebanon.
Following the latest round of discussions in Rome, US officials said Israel and Lebanon had agreed on guidelines for implementing the pilot zones. A Lebanese military source also said the army has increased patrols in villages near Israeli-controlled areas in preparation for carrying out the agreement.
Meanwhile, tensions along the border remain high. Lebanon’s state news agency reported fresh Israeli airstrikes targeting two towns near the so-called security zone in the Tyre and Nabatieh regions. Israel says it continues military operations to address security concerns following months of cross-border hostilities.
The Lebanon-US talks are taking place as Washington continues diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region. The US Embassy has also renewed its travel advisory, urging American citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon because of heightened regional tensions.
