Lebanese President Aoun Meets Trump as South Lebanon Pilot Zones Begin

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is in Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, as the first 'pilot zone' operations begin in southern Lebanon under a US-brokered agreement with Israel. Aoun arrived in the US and met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, ahead of his scheduled meeting with Trump on Tuesday. This is the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the White House in nearly two decades. The pilot zones are part of a framework agreement signed on June 26, after six rounds of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, mediated by the United States. The agreement aims to deploy the Lebanese army in areas evacuated by Israel and to disarm Hezbollah. On Monday, US officials said operations had started in the villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh. The Lebanese army confirmed it was deploying troops in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh and asked civilians to stay away for safety. Aoun is expected to ask Trump to use US influence to ensure Israel implements the pilot zones fully and moves toward a withdrawal. However, critics in Lebanon, including Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, have rejected the agreement, calling it a surrender of sovereignty. Others worry that Israel may use delays to justify a prolonged military presence. Aoun's supporters say direct negotiations are the only way to end the war and restore state authority. The outcome of the Washington visit could determine whether the process leads to stability or deeper divisions in Lebanon.