Lebanese President Urges Trump to Pressure Israel for Full Withdrawal in July Meeting

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is placing significant hopes on his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for July 21. Aoun emphasized that the United States is the only power capable of pressuring Israel to cease attacks on Beirut's Dahiya district, halt destruction of Lebanese infrastructure, and fully withdraw from southern Lebanon. He stated that Lebanon will not concede "one inch" of its territory and demands complete Israeli retreat.

In an interview, Aoun expressed his desire for Washington to maintain focus on Lebanese issues and leverage Trump’s willingness to assist Lebanon. He highlighted the complexity of the current situation and the necessity for U.S. involvement to ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty and security, particularly in the south, which he described as an integral part of the country.

Aoun also called for American support for the Lebanese army, which faces challenging tasks, and for aid in rebuilding Lebanon’s war-damaged economy. Regarding internal Lebanese debates over direct negotiations with Israel, Aoun acknowledged the limited options available due to the war’s aftermath, viewing U.S.-led direct talks as the only viable path forward.

He dismissed rumors of a possible meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as baseless. Aoun’s statements underscore Lebanon’s firm stance on territorial integrity and its reliance on U.S. diplomatic pressure on Israel ahead of the July summit.