Agencies
Jerusalem
US President Donald Trump pledged continued support for Lebanon during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on Tuesday, saying he would discuss the Lebanese army taking control of pilot zones and was willing to speak with Hezbollah if Aoun requested it.
The meeting marked the first visit by a Lebanese president to the White House in more than 17 years. During the meeting, Aoun thanked Trump for what he described as the “historic achievement” of signing the framework, adding, “It’s about time for Lebanon to be stable and secure.”
Trump said the United States had a “very good” relationship with Lebanon and pledged significant support for the country. “It’s been a very badly treated place and country, and we’re going to have it properly treated, and treated with the respect that it deserves,” Trump said.
He also said he would speak with Hezbollah if Aoun asked him to.
Trump also said he would discuss the Lebanese army taking control of villages from which the IDF had withdrawn, adding that he would examine issues related to the pilot zone, after the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) claimed earlier on Tuesday that the IDF opened fire near Lebanese troops deploying to pilot zones in southern Lebanon.
He also said he would speak with Hezbollah if Aoun asked him to.
