July 18, 2026, 1:28 p.mJuly 18, 2026, 1:28 p.m
In light of recent talks with Israel, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is traveling to Washington at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. Aoun and his wife left Beirut in the morning, the Lebanese presidential office said on Platform X. A summit meeting in the White House as well as consultations with various US officials are planned.
Joseph Aoun.Image: keystone
Aoun’s office mentioned the situation in Lebanon, ways to consolidate the ceasefire as well as security and stability, especially in the south of the country, and Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory. A date for the meeting with Trump was not mentioned in the message. When the meeting was announced at the beginning of the month, the talk was next Tuesday (July 21st).
For the first time in decades, direct talks with Israel
The Lebanese and Israeli governments have been holding direct political talks for the first time in decades since mid-April. The current aim is to consolidate the ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. The Lebanese government itself is not a warring party. The USA is mediating in the talks; Hezbollah is not involved. Israel and Lebanon do not officially have diplomatic relations with each other.
Specifically, the current issue is the withdrawal of Israeli troops from two areas in southern Lebanon. The regular Lebanese army is supposed to take control there. After talks in the Italian capital Rome, Lebanese government circles said on Wednesday that there had been “visible progress”.
Despite the ceasefire, fighting continues in southern Lebanon. Both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government describe a “security zone” unilaterally decreed by Israel as an occupation that violates international law. According to Lebanese information, Israel currently controls around 620 square kilometers in the south of the country. According to the Israeli leadership, this is intended to better protect the population in the north of the country from Hezbollah attacks. (hkl/sda/dpa)