US Adviser Confirms No Trump-Netanyahu-Lebanese President Summit Planned, Focus on Israel-Lebanon Deal Implementation

Dr. Masad Bulos, senior Middle East adviser to US President Donald Trump, confirmed in a conversation with Walla News that the idea of a trilateral summit at the White House involving Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Lebanese President Michel Aoun was not discussed during recent talks between Trump and Aoun. The complexity of Lebanon's internal situation and fears of violent clashes or threats to Aoun's life if he met Netanyahu are believed to have led Trump to shelve the idea for now.

Bulos emphasized that current American efforts are concentrated on implementing the historic Israel-Lebanon maritime border agreement, the first signed between the two countries since 1949. He described the process as complex and gradual, involving phased steps rather than a one-time event. The agreement includes redeployment of the Israel Defense Forces in southern Lebanon alongside Hezbollah's disarmament, coordinated through a regional pilot mechanism that has already seen Lebanese army forces enter several southern villages.

The adviser praised the cooperation of Lebanese President Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the Lebanese government, and army, as well as the role of US Central Command in coordinating the agreement's implementation with both Israel and Lebanon. While acknowledging potential delays and challenges, Bulos stressed the US's full commitment to the deal. He also noted that the influence of Lebanon's Christian community remains significant despite demographic and security challenges.

Regarding Hezbollah, Bulos stated that the US has tools, including Treasury sanctions, to address the group but is prioritizing the success of the new implementation mechanism. When asked about Syria's possible involvement in managing Hezbollah, he deferred to President Trump's earlier remarks that the decision rests with the president. Bulos concluded by urging patience with the agreement's framework, dismissing concerns that upcoming Israeli elections might derail progress, saying, "It must be given a chance and it will work."