US urges Lebanon's Aoun to meet Netanyahu for border security deal

The United States is actively pressing for a diplomatic breakthrough between Lebanon and Israel, viewing a direct meeting between Presidents Aoun and Netanyahu as a pivotal moment for regional stability. Washington's envoy in Beirut emphasized that this engagement could unlock crucial guarantees for Lebanon, including full sovereignty and the restoration of state authority across its territory, backed by American assurances.

This initiative comes as the US seeks to transition from the current fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah to a more lasting security framework. The American perspective highlights Lebanon's strategic crossroads, suggesting that direct dialogue with Israel offers a path toward national revival and a definitive end to the long-standing border disputes and conflicts.

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A direct meeting between President Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu, facilitated by US President Donald Trump, would give Lebanon the chance to secure concrete guarantees on full sovereignty, territorial integrity, secure borders, humanitarian and reconstruction support, and the complete restoration of Lebanese state authority over every inch of its territory - guaranteed by the United States.

However, the path forward is complicated by internal divisions within Lebanon. While President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam appear open to negotiations, powerful figures like Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, allied with Hezbollah, remain opposed to normalization. This internal dynamic underscores the delicate balancing act required to achieve any lasting peace, with the US aiming to facilitate a deal that addresses Lebanese demands for an Israeli withdrawal, prisoner releases, and reconstruction aid, while also pushing for Hezbollah's disarmament.

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Lebanon stood “at a crossroads,” adding that direct engagement with Israel “can mark the beginning of a national revival.”