Trump Hosts Lebanese President Aoun to Implement Israel Withdrawal Deal

President Donald Trump hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on July 21, 2026, to implement a trilateral framework agreement signed on June 26. The deal coordinates a phased Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon contingent on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) assuming security control and the total disarmament of Hezbollah. As a result of the agreement, the U.S. State Department announced the launch of pilot zone operations in the villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, where the LAF began taking over control from Israeli forces.

During the summit, Aoun sought U.S. political and military support for the LAF and requested international aid to rebuild infrastructure devastated by conflict. Trump pledged support for Lebanese stability, directed the resumption of direct flights between the U.S. and Lebanon for the first time since 1985, and suggested that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could assist in disarming Hezbollah. Trump also expressed a willingness to communicate directly with Hezbollah if requested by Aoun.

Implementation has faced significant friction. Hezbollah has completely rejected the framework and disarmament demands. Meanwhile, the LAF reported that Israeli forces opened fire near Lebanese soldiers during deployment operations in Zrarieh and Zawtar al-Gharbieh, claiming the aggression jeopardizes the agreement. These diplomatic efforts occur against a backdrop of continued U.S. military operations to degrade Iranian capabilities and broader regional tensions.