Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed for Washington on Saturday, July 18th, 2026, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. The visit marks a new phase in US-led efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Aoun is expected to meet with Trump and other senior US officials next week to discuss ways to strengthen the ceasefire, secure Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and restore security and stability across Lebanon, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.

The Israeli military reported striking a Hezbollah cell near Tebnit in southern Lebanon after identifying a Hezbollah drone in the area, stating that this activity violated ceasefire understandings.

Since March, more than 4,000 Lebanese have been killed and over a million displaced due to Israel’s war on Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

This visit follows the conclusion of the sixth round of US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel, which have aimed to address obstacles to peace between the two countries.

Sources