Yesterday, President Trump and Lebanese President Aoun held a meeting with exceptionally strong chemistry, according to Abu Ali Express. Trump told Aoun 'you can get everything you want,' and offered to talk to Hezbollah if Aoun so desires. Trump also announced he will approve direct US airline flights to Lebanon.
The meeting between President Trump and Lebanese President Aoun on Tuesday produced unusually warm chemistry, with Trump offering to speak with Hezbollah at Aoun's request and announcing approval of direct US airline flights to Lebanon. The offer to engage with a US-designated terrorist organization is notable, though conditioned on Aoun's desire.
The Zioneer's thread tracked the development in real time. At 18:38 Jerusalem, ynet first reported Trump's willingness to speak with Hezbollah if asked. Minutes later, N12 added that Trump threatened to strike Iran's Mount Makosh site. The Times of Israel then specified the offer was at the Lebanese president's request. Trump later added that Aoun 'knows how to talk to me' and can get everything he wants. At 23:02, Trump instructed US airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon, going further than earlier remarks.
The meeting follows a series of US-Lebanese diplomatic exchanges. As The Zioneer reported on Jun 17, Trump had previously suggested Syria could handle Hezbollah and advised Israel to be 'gentler' in Lebanon. On Jun 28, Trump called Aoun to congratulate him on the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement. On Jul 15, a meeting was expected. The chemistry on Tuesday marks a shift in tone.
It remains unclear whether Aoun will request Trump to engage with Hezbollah, and the practical implementation of direct flights is pending. The threat to strike Mount Makosh adds a military dimension to the diplomatic overture.
4 developments
- StrongLebanese President Aoun says meeting with Trump went 'very well'
- DevelopingHezbollah-affiliated newspaper suggests Netanyahu, Aoun may meet at White House
- DevelopingTrump expected to meet Lebanese President Aoun on Tuesday, report says
- StrongTrump calls Lebanese President Aoun, says US will back Israel deal
Source and signal
- Internal intake