President Donald Trump recommended that US airlines operate flights to Lebanon, according to reports, yet no American carrier has resumed flights to Israel, where services remain suspended due to security concerns.
President Donald Trump announced at 22:25 Jerusalem tonight that he is directing his administration to allow all US airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon, following his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Trump praised Aoun's 'excellent' work and encouraged tourism to Lebanon. However, despite the directive, no American carrier has resumed flights to Israel, where services remain suspended due to security concerns. As The Zioneer reported earlier at 22:32 Jerusalem, US airlines are not expected to return to Israel before September at the earliest, according to journalist Dean Fisher (N12). The State Department continues to maintain a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Lebanon, issued at 22:45 Jerusalem, underscoring the ongoing security risks.
The thread of tonight's developments began at 22:25 Jerusalem, when Trump first issued the directive, then praised Aoun and encouraged tourism, and confirmed the directive. The contrast drawn by The Zioneer highlights the gap between the administration's diplomatic signals and the operational decisions of airlines, which remain cautious about security conditions in Israel.
This situation unfolds against a broader backdrop of Trump's evolving stance on Lebanon and Israel. As The Zioneer has reported previously, Trump has called for a full ceasefire on all fronts (June 18), warned Iran to stop its proxies in Lebanon (June 21), and indicated that an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Syria would be worthwhile (July 15). The administration's approach has narrowed Israel's options in Lebanon, according to analysis published June 26.
What remains open is the timeline for any resumption of US airline flights to Israel. The N12 report cites September as the earliest possible date, but that estimate is subject to change based on security assessments. Additionally, it is unclear whether the administration's directive for Lebanon will lead to actual flights, given the State Department's continued Level 4 advisory.
4 developments
- DevelopingTrump says he can prevent Israel from striking Lebanon because 'they do as I say'
- DevelopingReport: Trump's sudden turn against Iran seen as opening for Lebanon advance
- DevelopingIsrael reportedly asked by Trump administration to scale back Lebanon operations
- DevelopingTrump reportedly sides with Iran on demand that Israel stop attacking Hezbollah
Source and signal
- Internal intake