Lebanese president receives aid promises from Trump

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received promises of aid against Hezbollah and for peace with Israel during his visit to the White House, the first by a Lebanese president in nearly 20 years. U.S. President Donald Trump described Lebanon as a country that has been "treated very badly" and pledged to treat it with more respect. Trump indicated that concrete plans to assist Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia would be discussed. He also mentioned that Israel had begun withdrawing from some areas in southern Lebanon, stating the U.S. would "look into" increasing pressure on Israel regarding its withdrawal. Trump told CNN he would "talk to Hezbollah; I talk to everyone." Following the meeting, Trump ordered U.S. authorities to permit American airlines to fly to Beirut, facilitating easier travel for Americans to visit Lebanon. Direct flights between the two nations had been suspended since a hijacking in 1985. President Aoun hailed the restoration of direct flights as a "significant opportunity to strengthen travel and connections" and support Lebanon's economy. He also thanked Trump for a tripartite agreement involving Israel, Lebanon, and the U.S., noting that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who has ties to Hezbollah, was positive about ending the war.

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This is a country that has been treated very badly, and we have to start treating it better and with respect.