Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to visit the White House this week for his first official meeting with US President Donald Trump, marking the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to Washington in nearly two decades. The high-level meeting comes at a critical moment for Lebanon, which is seeking US support to secure an Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and advance a plan to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

Ahead of the visit, Aoun said he would urge President Trump to "exert the necessary pressure on Israel" to implement a US-mediated agreement reached on June 26. The proposed framework includes the gradual disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and steps aimed at creating long-term stability along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Hezbollah Disarmament at the Centre

According to reports, President Aoun will present a written roadmap outlining how Hezbollah's extensive weapons network can be dismantled under state supervision. Lebanese officials believe Washington's influence over Israel will be crucial in ensuring Israeli forces complete their withdrawal, enabling Beirut to re-establish full authority across its southern territory.

A former commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Aoun has consistently argued that only the Lebanese state should possess weapons. Since assuming office, he has made restoring the government's monopoly over arms one of his primary policy objectives.

The proposal represents one of Lebanon's most ambitious efforts in years to address the long-standing issue of Hezbollah's military presence while attempting to reduce regional tensions.

Conflict Continues to Shape Politics

Despite diplomatic efforts, security conditions remain fragile.

Following the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese forces had begun deploying across southern Lebanon under a ceasefire arrangement to seize Hezbollah weapons caches. However, fighting resumed earlier this year after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel during the wider US-Iran confrontation.

According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, the renewed Israeli military operations have resulted in more than 4,300 deaths, including women, children and healthcare workers. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties, while Hezbollah has not officially disclosed losses among its fighters.

The renewed violence has intensified political divisions within Lebanon. Aoun's support for direct negotiations with Israel has drawn criticism from Hezbollah and its allies, who oppose any formal engagement with Israel. Nevertheless, the Lebanese president has maintained that the country's national interests must take precedence over broader regional conflicts.

Economic Recovery and Political Reform

Beyond security concerns, Aoun is expected to discuss Lebanon's worsening economic crisis with US officials.

Lebanon continues to face one of the world's worst financial collapses, with soaring inflation, a weakened banking system and widespread unemployment. The president is also expected to seek greater international support for reconstruction efforts and institutional reforms.

Aoun's election last year ended a two-year presidential vacuum following the completion of former President Michel Aoun's term. Since taking office, he has pledged to strengthen state institutions, revive the economy and ensure justice for victims of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion.

The White House meeting is expected to test whether Washington is willing to play a more active diplomatic role in shaping Lebanon's security future while balancing its close strategic relationship with Israel.