Trump obljublja ameriško pomoč za Libanon med srečanjem v Beli hiši z njegovim predsednikom

The U.S. is sending additional warplanes to the Middle East, according to U.S. officials who spoke off the record. F-16 and F-35 fighter jets are currently en route to the region from Europe. These deployments come amid heightened tensions in the area, particularly following a renewed escalation between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has led to increased instability throughout the Middle East. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, marking the first such visit by a Lebanese head of state since 2009. During the meeting, Trump expressed his commitment to aiding Lebanon, describing the nation as a place that has been "very badly treated" and vowing to ensure it receives proper treatment and respect. Aoun, in turn, praised Trump’s vision of peace, calling it his "legacy." The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon and Israel had reached a framework agreement in early June outlining a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. The agreement aims to establish a lasting peace between the two nations, which have been in a de facto state of war for nearly eight decades. Under the terms of the agreement, Israeli forces are to begin a controlled withdrawal from designated "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. These zones include areas such as Froun, Srifa, and parts of Zawtar al-Gharbieh. The Lebanese military has stated it is preparing for the withdrawal and has begun deploying troops in these regions. However, the Israeli military has indicated that the withdrawal is still in progress, with some areas remaining under Israeli control. In a separate development, the Lebanese military accused Israeli troops of firing near the village of Zawtar al-Gharbieh, raising concerns about the safety of local residents. Village mayor Abed Ezzeldine emphasized the need for confirmation of safety before allowing citizens to inspect their properties. The situation highlights the delicate balance between troop movements and civilian security in the region. The U.S. has played a central role in brokering the current agreements, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging with Aoun prior to his departure for an Asian tour. Rubio underscored the importance of strengthening the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to counter Hezbollah’s influence. He argued that bolstering these institutions would enhance security and economic stability in Lebanon, making it more attractive for foreign investment. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Hezbollah, which operates as both a political party and a military organization, has shown reluctance to engage in U.S.-brokered negotiations. Instead, discussions between Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu occur through intermediaries. Trump has maintained that the U.S. and Israel share common goals, although he has urged Netanyahu to exercise greater caution to minimize civilian casualties during military actions against Hezbollah. The Trump administration continues to prioritize the Lebanese issue, viewing it as crucial to regional stability. The administration is working to isolate Hezbollah and promote a comprehensive peace settlement. However, significant hurdles remain, including the need for verification of the LAF’s ability to secure the pilot zones and the potential impact of Hezbollah’s resistance on the peace process. With Israeli elections approaching in October, the pace of the withdrawal and the likelihood of a major breakthrough in peace talks remain uncertain. Nonetheless, the current developments represent a critical step forward in the complex and often volatile relationship between Israel, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East.