WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) Following is a statement by the American Jewish Committee about Tuesday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun.
AJC welcomes the historic meeting between President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and shares the hope that Israelis and Lebanese will one day live side by side in peace and security. While significant challenges remain, today’s engagement is a powerful reminder of the indispensable role of sustained American leadership and diplomacy in advancing regional stability and creating the conditions for lasting peace.
The meeting comes at a pivotal moment. The Iranian regime continues to threaten the United States and its partners across the Middle East through its ballistic missile and drone programs and its support for terrorist proxies. Iran seeks to weaken sovereign states, disrupt global commerce, and obstruct opportunities for regional integration and peace.
Against this backdrop, yesterday’s transfer of additional territory from IDF control to the Lebanese Armed Forces represents an important step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and reducing Iran’s influence. The deployment of the LAF into these pilot zones must demonstrate that the Lebanese state can exercise effective and exclusive security control, prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing its military presence, and ensure that territory transferred from Israeli control does not again become a platform for attacks against Israel. If implemented credibly and sustained over time, this phased approach can strengthen legitimate Lebanese institutions, support the responsible withdrawal of Israeli forces, and protect Israel’s legitimate security requirements.
A Lebanon governed by its sovereign institutions—free from Hezbollah’s domination and Iranian interference—is in the interests of the Lebanese people, Israel, the United States, and the broader Middle East.
Now is the time to build on this momentum and advance a more secure, prosperous, and peaceful future for Israelis, Lebanese, and all the peoples of the region.
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Preceding provided by the American Jewish Committee.