Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani arrived in Beirut Thursday for a visit and met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. At a joint press conference with the prime minister, a journalist asked whether Lebanon would allow the Syrian army to enter to disarm Hezbollah as proposed by President Trump — the PM cut off the question, saying no reply was needed. Al-Shibani said he did not meet any Hezbollah representatives due to time constraints, but did meet Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri of the Shia Amal movement.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani arrived in Beirut on Thursday and met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marking the highest-level Syrian diplomatic mission to Lebanon in years. During a joint press conference, a journalist asked whether Lebanon would allow Syrian troops to enter to disarm Hezbollah, citing President Trump's proposal — PM Salam cut off the question, saying no reply was needed. Al-Shibani later stated that he did not meet Hezbollah representatives due to time constraints, but did meet Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri of the Shia Amal movement.
At 11:22 Jerusalem, The Zioneer first reported al-Shibani's arrival and meeting with Aoun, then updated to include his meeting with Berri, followed by his statement that Syria has no intention of invading Lebanon or fighting Hezbollah, and his opposition to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. At 12:44 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported al-Shibani's earlier openness to meeting Hezbollah if needed, a statement that now sits alongside his explanation that he declined such a meeting due to scheduling.
As The Zioneer reported on June 17, President Trump proposed that Syria handle Hezbollah in Lebanon. On June 19, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and President Aoun discussed Hezbollah disarmament. On June 21, Syria's interim president said Syria has a deep problem with Hezbollah but does not seek Lebanon's destruction. On June 22, Syrian President al-Shara said he would sit with Hezbollah if it serves interests. On June 25, PM Netanyahu convened a security cabinet discussion following Trump's proposal. On June 30, The Zioneer reported al-Shibani's planned visit to Beirut carrying a message of no military intervention.
It remains unclear whether al-Shibani's stated time constraints reflect a deliberate policy choice or logistical difficulties, and how the PM's refusal to answer the question about Syrian troop entry aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts. The framework agreement between Lebanon and Syria remains an internal matter for Beirut to decide, and the path to Hezbollah's disarmament continues to be shaped by international and regional pressures.
6 developments
- DevelopingSyrian foreign minister to visit Beirut this week, meet Lebanese parliament speaker
- DevelopingSyrian foreign minister says open to meeting Hezbollah if needed
- StrongPM convenes security cabinet after Trump proposal for Syria to handle Hezbollah
- StrongTrump says Syria 'would be happy' to handle Hezbollah, Lebanese president to visit Washington
Source and signal
- Internal intake