Trump shows willingness to talk to Hezbollah

Donald Trump has expressed willingness to engage with Hezbollah, marking a notable shift in U.S. diplomatic posture amid ongoing tensions in Lebanon. On Tuesday, during the tenth day of the second phase of the war in Iran, President Trump met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. This meeting was particularly significant as Aoun became the first leader of Lebanon to visit the White House in seventeen years. The encounter took place against the backdrop of renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran. During their initial conversation in the Oval Office, Trump stated he would be open to dialogue with Hezbollah should Aoun request such engagement. “I am willing to talk to anyone,” Trump remarked, adding that while some might advise against it, his stance remained firm. This statement comes shortly after the United States unveiled a peace agreement aimed at resolving the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Negotiated behind closed doors by Israeli and Lebanese governments, the accord outlines the establishment of pilot zones where Israel will withdraw its forces in exchange for the deployment of Lebanese military units. These zones are intended to demonstrate Lebanese control over disputed territories before further Israeli withdrawals take place. Following the announcement of three pilot zones, including two areas devoid of Israeli presence, Israeli troops began withdrawing from Zawtar el Gharbiyeh, a small municipality near the city of Nabatieh. The withdrawal prompted images of Lebanese soldiers patrolling the village, which have stirred anticipation among residents eager to return home. However, many remain skeptical about the long-term viability of the agreement, citing the lack of clear timelines for Israeli withdrawal and concerns over the potential prolongation of displacement for hundreds of thousands of citizens. Among the skeptics is Nabih Berri, president of the Lebanese Parliament, who warned that the agreement could spark a civil war. In response, Aoun emphasized that the agreement does not require parliamentary approval, noting it falls under presidential prerogatives. He assured that they were committed to the deal and believed Berri genuinely sought an end to the conflict. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating that Berri was a “good man” and confident that once the progress becomes evident, Berri would support the initiative. The implementation of the agreement has been marked by tension, with Lebanese forces reporting incidents involving Israeli fire near their positions upon arrival in Zawtar el Gharbiyeh. Families waiting nearby heard explosions as Israeli forces dismantled homes in surrounding villages. Trump acknowledged these developments and indicated they would be addressed during his meeting with Aoun. Adding complexity to the situation, Hezbollah rejects any agreements stemming from negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese authorities, accusing them of being subservient to Western interests. The group views its conflict with Israel as a validation of its armed struggle. Internally, Hezbollah faces challenges due to the impending formation of the first Lebanese government since 2025 that may decide to disarm the organization.