Trump promises aid for Lebanon but offers no timeline for Israeli withdrawal; open to talks with Hezbollah

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised American assistance to Lebanon following a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. However, Trump did not provide concrete measures or a specific timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera.

When questioned about the timing of Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territories, Trump suggested the process was already underway, stating, "They are in the process of doing that. They are in the process of redeploying to other areas." Despite these remarks, Al Jazeera reported that Israel had not withdrawn from any occupied zones since March.

“

They are in the process of doing that. They are in the process of redeploying to other areas.

The U.S. State Department announced the establishment of the first "pilot zone" under the Lebanon-Israel agreement. This plan intends for the Lebanese army to assume control in previously occupied localities and ensure Hezbollah has no military presence there, paving the way for reconstruction and the return of residents. However, the three localities included in this pilot zone were not under Israeli control, meaning the measure did not involve an actual Israeli withdrawal.

“

I would like to thank President Trump and his team for the historic visit and for the historic achievement we have obtained together by signing the framework agreement, with the ultimate goal of ending the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel forever.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the U.S.-mediated framework agreement, whose ultimate goal is to cease hostilities between the two nations. "I would like to thank President Trump and his team for the historic visit and for the historic achievement we have obtained together by signing the framework agreement, with the ultimate goal of ending the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel forever," Aoun stated. The agreement conditions Israeli withdrawal on the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Trump also expressed openness to direct talks with Hezbollah, a group the Lebanese authorities are seeking to disarm. "I would talk to Hezbollah. I talk to everyone," Trump said, adding he would do so if President Aoun requested it. Aoun, in turn, requested support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, which he described as the "backbone of the country's security and stability," asserting the army should be the sole armed force in Lebanon.

“

I would talk to Hezbollah. I talk to everyone.