Lebanon's Head of State Heads to US Capital for Talks with American Leader

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed Beirut for Washington on Saturday, January 9, 2025, where a meeting with Donald Trump is anticipated, according to the Lebanese presidency, following the conclusion of talks between Lebanon and Israel in Italy.

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This trip marks the first time a Lebanese head of state has visited Washington since Michel Sleiman met with Barack Obama in 2009, a significant development in the country's diplomatic efforts.

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Aoun's discussions in Washington will focus on the situation in Lebanon, particularly in the south, and ways to bolster the ceasefire, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese regions, as stated by the presidency.

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US-sponsored negotiations between Israel and Lebanon commenced in April, aiming to establish a lasting peace agreement and bring an end to the Israel-Hezbollah war, with a framework agreement reached on June 26 in Washington.

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The agreement stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army, initially in two pilot zones, contingent upon the disarmament of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

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Hezbollah has categorically rejected the deal and the Israel-Lebanon negotiations, posing a significant challenge to the implementation of the agreement.

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Following the latest round of talks in Rome, Israel and Lebanon agreed on the structure and guidelines for implementing the pilot zones, according to a US official, marking a crucial step forward in the peace process.

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A Lebanese military source revealed that the Lebanese army has started intensifying patrols in several villages adjacent to areas occupied by Israeli forces, including Froun in the Bint Jbeil district, in preparation for the implementation of the pilot zones provision.

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Hezbollah's involvement in the Middle East war began on March 2, when it launched strikes against Israel in support of its backer Tehran, prompting a strong response from Israel.

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Israel's response included airstrikes and a ground invasion, and despite a ceasefire, sporadic attacks continue, with Israel maintaining control over territory in south Lebanon, referred to as a "security zone".

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On Saturday, the National News Agency reported fresh airstrikes against two towns on the edge of the so-called security zone, located in the Tyre and Nabatieh regions, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the area.

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The US embassy issued a warning to Americans, advising against travel to Lebanon due to "high tensions in the Middle East", citing concerns for safety and security.