WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump pledged continued American support for Lebanon on Tuesday but stopped short of providing a timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region.
Speaking during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, Trump reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to assisting Lebanon’s recovery and strengthening its state institutions. However, when asked whether Israel would fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, Trump declined to specify a timetable, saying only that Israeli forces were “in the process” of redeploying.
The comments come as the United States continues to mediate negotiations between Israel and Lebanon under a security framework designed to facilitate the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and expand the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon. While officials have described the talks as constructive, no firm deadline has been announced for the implementation of Israeli withdrawals.
Trump emphasized that the United States remains committed to helping Lebanon achieve long-term stability and economic recovery after months of conflict that caused widespread destruction across the country. He also expressed hope that diplomatic engagement could help reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and create conditions for lasting peace.
President Aoun welcomed continued U.S. support, stressing the importance of restoring Lebanese sovereignty over all of its territory and strengthening the country’s armed forces. He called for sustained international assistance to rebuild damaged infrastructure and ensure security in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army has begun deploying to selected areas following limited Israeli withdrawals under a U.S.-brokered pilot program. The initial deployment marks the first practical test of the agreement, although tensions remain after Israeli troops reportedly fired warning shots during the transition. Authorities have also warned civilians to avoid heavily damaged areas until unexploded ordnance is cleared.
Despite progress in negotiations, uncertainty remains over the pace of Israel’s military redeployment. Israeli officials have maintained that security concerns, particularly the presence of Hezbollah, will continue to influence future decisions regarding troop withdrawals. The absence of a clear timeline has raised questions about how quickly the broader agreement can be fully implemented.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue in the coming weeks as Washington seeks to advance the implementation of the agreement and prevent renewed hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon frontier.
