White House Officials Say Israel Will Not Withdraw From Lebanon Before Hezbollah Disarms

Ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, senior American officials outlined clear conditions for Israel's redeployment from Lebanon. They stated that Israel's withdrawal depends on Hezbollah being disarmed and Lebanon regaining full sovereignty over its territory. The officials emphasized that the framework aims to achieve three goals: restoring Lebanese sovereignty, dismantling Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure, and enabling Israel to return to secure borders once the security threat is eliminated.

The officials noted that following recent talks in Rome between Israel and Lebanon, a pilot phase began last week involving the redeployment of Israeli Defense Forces in the Zotar al-Arabiya area. The U.S. will continue working with both sides until the framework is fully implemented. Regarding Israel's potential withdrawal from Syria, officials avoided commenting, signaling the issue remains unresolved.

Netanyahu's visit to Washington comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran and concerns over its nuclear program. Netanyahu is expected to present Trump with intelligence on Iran's nuclear advancements and urge decisive U.S. action. However, analysts suggest Netanyahu's influence over Trump has waned since February due to internal pressures and criticism within the U.S. administration.

On Air Force One en route to Michigan, Trump stated he and Netanyahu are "pretty close" on Iran policy but acknowledged some differences. Trump highlighted recent U.S. strikes that weakened Iran and said Iran sought to renew talks. He indicated a willingness to reach an agreement but warned that if talks fail, the U.S. would resume previous measures. When asked about selling F-35 jets to Turkey, Trump defended Turkey as a valuable ally and dismissed external opinions on arms sales, while noting Turkish President Erdogan is not a fan of Netanyahu or Israel.

Trump also briefly addressed Saudi Arabia and the Abraham Accords, saying no recent discussions occurred. He credited U.S. intervention with preventing an existential threat to Israel from Iran, claiming Iran is now only eight percent as capable as four months ago. Netanyahu and Trump’s meeting is scheduled for 18:00 Israel time and will be closed to the press, followed by their attendance at Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral.

The White House maintains a consistent stance that the Lebanon framework is a top priority, contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament and Lebanon's sovereignty restoration. Despite close ties on Iran, Trump and Netanyahu have some policy differences expected to surface during their talks. Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to present concessions, including cabinet approval for a peacekeeping force in Gaza, as part of his diplomatic agenda.