Lebanese president set to meet Trump as Beirut seeks Israeli withdrawal

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was in Washington, DC, for a four-day official visit aimed at securing US support for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and additional backing for Lebanon’s army. Aoun was scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after US-mediated Lebanese-Israeli talks in Rome focused on carrying out a June 26 agreement. The visit is the first by a Lebanese head of state to Washington since 2009, according to the report.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Aoun on Sunday and said Washington supported full implementation of the agreement, while tying long-term stability to the Lebanese state becoming the sole armed authority. Al Jazeera cited analyst Timothy Kaldas as saying Aoun is likely seeking diplomatic and economic help, while Trump is expected to press for assurances on Hezbollah’s disarmament. Lebanese officials have also argued that investment in damaged infrastructure is needed to strengthen the state.

On the ground, Israel’s military said a gradual withdrawal plan, described as a “pilot zone” programme, had begun in three southern villages. Lebanon’s army said it started deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in the Nabatieh region and warned residents not to return until the area is safe. The town’s mayor said destruction was extensive and questioned whether civilians could safely resettle while Israeli forces remained nearby.

The talks come amid deep political and security obstacles. Hezbollah opposes direct negotiations with Israel and efforts to remove its weapons, while Israel says it will not fully leave without Hezbollah being disarmed. Al Jazeera said the renewed fighting since March has killed more than 4,300 people and displaced 1.2 million.