- President Donald Trump has promised that the United States will help Lebanon as he met with his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, at the White House.
- Trump vowed to help Lebanon but did not announce any concrete policies or a timeline for Israeli withdrawal during the meeting.
- When asked about a timeline for Israel's withdrawal, Trump stated, “They’re in the process of doing that.”
- Trump announced that he was authorizing direct flights between the US and Lebanon for the first time since 1985.
- All US flights to Lebanon were suspended in 1985 after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.
- Before flights can resume, U.S. officials will need to conduct an extensive security review of the Beirut airport.
- The U.S. State Department currently has a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Lebanon for Americans, citing high tensions in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, promising U.S. assistance to Lebanon while avoiding a timeline for Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories.13
Trump stated, “We’re going to help it. We’re going to help it a lot,” emphasizing the U.S. commitment to Lebanon's stability.
Despite the pledge, no specific policies were outlined during the meeting, and Aoun praised the U.S.-brokered framework agreement that conditions Israeli withdrawal on disarming Hezbollah.2
“I would like to thank President Trump, really, and his team for the historic visit and for the historic achievement that we did together,” Aoun remarked.
Trump also suggested that Syria should intervene to disarm Hezbollah, a proposal rejected by Syrian authorities.
In a significant development, Trump authorized the first U.S. flights to Lebanon since 1985, a move that could benefit the Lebanese American community.45
“After meeting with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, who has done a remarkable job working to transform his Country, I am hereby directing my Administration to allow all US airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon,” Trump announced.
However, U.S. officials will need to conduct a security review of Beirut airport before flights can resume, and the State Department currently advises against travel to Lebanon due to high tensions in the region.6
“Trump's directive to allow flights comes after a 40-year ban following the TWA Flight 847 hijacking, but US airlines must undergo security reviews and the FAA must certify Beirut airport. Aoun praised the US-brokered framework with Israel, while Hezbollah criticized his engagement and Trump suggested Syria intervene to disarm the group.”
CNBC
