Aoun seeks Trump backing for Israel pullback as south Lebanon ‘pilot zones’ begin

Lebanese President Michel Aoun arrived in Washington this week for a critical meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, coinciding with the launch of initial operations in designated "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon under a U.S.-brokered framework agreement with Israel. These zones mark the first step toward implementing a broader deal aimed at ending hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, which have been ongoing for months. Aoun’s visit represents a rare diplomatic engagement between a Lebanese leader and the White House, the first such occurrence in nearly two decades. Aoun’s itinerary included meetings with senior U.S. officials, members of the Lebanese diaspora, and representatives from Washington-based think tanks. His presence in the capital underscores the significance of the current negotiations, which have involved six rounds of talks between Lebanon and Israel, facilitated by American mediators. The fifth round, conducted in Washington earlier this month, resulted in the June framework agreement, while the sixth took place in Rome last week. This agreement outlines a path forward that includes the deployment of the Lebanese army into specific areas previously controlled by Israel, with the goal of disarming Hezbollah. The pilot zones, initially set in the villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, are intended to serve as test sites for the broader disarmament process. According to the U.S. State Department, these operations commenced on Monday, with the Lebanese army beginning to deploy in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh following coordination with the newly established Military Coordination Group for Lebanon. The group, led by Washington, aims to oversee the transition of responsibilities from Israeli forces to Lebanese authorities. The Lebanese army issued statements urging civilians not to enter the affected areas until the security situation stabilizes and advising them to comply with the instructions of the deployed troops. A senior military official noted that the conditions in each of the three pilot zones vary significantly. In Froun and Srifa, Israeli troops are not directly stationed, though the areas remain under Israeli military oversight. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to maintain a physical presence in parts of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, where the Lebanese army’s deployment depends on ongoing coordination with the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon. Sources close to Aoun’s administration emphasized that securing this visit and the meeting with Trump was crucial for bolstering the president’s domestic standing and demonstrating that the negotiation process can yield tangible outcomes. Aoun argues that diplomacy can achieve what conflict has failed to accomplish: halting the violence, enabling the return of displaced residents, stationing the Lebanese army in the south, and prompting an Israeli withdrawal, or redeployment, from Lebanese territory. Despite the agreement using the term "redeployment," the intent appears to be a reduction of Israeli military presence. U.S. officials have expressed support for the framework agreement, with State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirming the start of pilot zone operations. However, concerns persist in Beirut regarding Israel’s potential reluctance to fully commit to the terms outlined in the agreement. A senior Lebanese official familiar with the discussions indicated that the U.S. side has shown receptiveness to Lebanon’s position, recognizing the need for visible Israeli actions to ensure the framework is perceived as a shared success rather than solely a Lebanese obligation. As Aoun prepares to meet with Trump, he is expected to request stronger U.S. influence to encourage Israel to adhere to the agreed-upon measures. The outcome of this meeting could determine whether the pilot zones evolve into a sustainable model for de-escalation or face resistance from either party. With the Lebanese army already engaged in the field, the focus now shifts to how effectively the pilot zones will function as a foundation for broader regional stability.