Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Sunday in a high level diplomatic effort aimed at securing stronger American support for ending hostilities between Israel and Lebanon and reinforcing a fragile ceasefire along the two countries’ border.
The meeting comes amid continued tensions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli military operations have persisted despite a ceasefire agreement intended to end months of conflict with the Iran backed Hezbollah movement. Lebanese officials have repeatedly accused Israel of violating the truce through airstrikes, drone surveillance and the continued presence of Israeli forces in parts of southern Lebanon.
Aoun is expected to urge Trump to use Washington’s close relationship with Israel to push for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and to ensure full compliance with the ceasefire. Beirut argues that continued military activity threatens regional stability and undermines efforts to restore security in the country’s south.
The Lebanese president is also expected to seek increased U.S. assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces, which have been tasked with expanding their deployment in southern Lebanon under the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Lebanese officials say strengthening the military is essential to extending state authority and preventing renewed violence along the border.
Beyond security issues, Aoun is likely to raise Lebanon’s deepening economic crisis, seeking continued U.S. support for reforms and international financial assistance. Lebanon has been struggling with one of the world’s worst economic downturns in recent history, leaving much of the population facing poverty, unemployment and deteriorating public services.
For the Trump administration, the discussions are expected to focus on maintaining stability along the Israel-Lebanon frontier, preventing a broader regional conflict and supporting Lebanon’s state institutions while addressing Israel’s security concerns over Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
The White House meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East, with diplomats warning that any collapse of the ceasefire could trigger another round of large scale fighting. International efforts have continued to focus on preserving the truce and encouraging both sides to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict.
Analysts say the outcome of the talks could shape Washington’s approach to Lebanon in the coming months and determine whether the United States is prepared to play a more active role in pressing for lasting calm along one of the region’s most volatile borders.
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