Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has arrived in Washington for an official visit, the first by a Lebanese head of state in 17 years, according to Israeli media reports. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not make the trip. Aoun is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Late Saturday, Israeli media reports indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not join Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's trip to Washington — a detail that emerged after Aoun's arrival had been reported earlier. Aoun landed in the U.S. capital Saturday in what is the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the White House in 17 years. Netanyahu's absence from the delegation was not explained in the reports.
The Zioneer reported at 10:36 Saturday that Aoun had left Beirut for Washington, that the meeting with President Trump was scheduled for July 21, and that he had arrived in Washington after a 12-hour flight. The thread tracked the journey from departure to landing, with all three updates published at the same time. The visit follows months of U.S.-mediated diplomacy, including the signing of a framework agreement in June.
As The Zioneer previously reported, the White House visit was first flagged on June 22 as a milestone trip. On June 17, President Trump said both Aoun and Netanyahu would visit the U.S. soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with both leaders on June 26 to resolve differences, as The Zioneer reported. On July 6, Aoun denied reports of a meeting with Netanyahu, citing ongoing Israeli attacks. On July 8, Reuters reported a formal invitation for July 21, and on July 15, reports indicated Trump expected to meet Aoun on Tuesday.
The reasons for Netanyahu's absence remain unclear. The meeting between Aoun and Trump is scheduled for Tuesday but has not been officially confirmed. The status of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and Israel's withdrawal, expected to be discussed, also remains unresolved.
3 developments
- DevelopingLebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit White House in milestone trip
- StrongLebanese President Aoun Invited to White House on July 21, Reuters Reports
- DevelopingTrump expected to meet Lebanese President Aoun on Tuesday, report says
- StrongLebanese President Aoun denies reports of meeting with Netanyahu, cites ongoing Israeli attacks
Source and signal
- Internal intake