US seeks meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders amid rising tensions

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s Visit to the US Sparks Controversy

President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to visit the White House later this month, amid mounting pressure for him to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit comes on the heels of Israel and Lebanon’s first direct negotiations in decades, which have sparked internal divisions within the country.

Aoun will reportedly attend a meeting at the White House, although no specific date has been set. Analysts suggest that the decision to hold this meeting is driven by Washington’s desire for a visible deliverable, particularly as the April 26 ceasefire expires on May 17.

Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed political and military group, has expressed opposition to Aoun meeting with Netanyahu, citing their preference for indirect negotiations to achieve a peaceful resolution. The group has also criticized Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, which have resulted in over 2,700 deaths and more than 1.2 million displaced people.

The Lebanese government has agreed to direct negotiations with the Israeli government, with the US acting as mediator. However, these talks have been limited to ambassadors to the US, rather than senior officials. The Israelis have proposed that Lebanon disarm Hezbollah to ensure northern towns in Israel are safe from attacks.

Aoun’s meeting with Netanyahu would require widespread support across Lebanese communities, which is unlikely given internal tensions. Analysts suggest that Aoun’s visit may be driven by Washington’s desire for a photo opportunity, framing Lebanon as the next domino after the Iran ceasefire.

The US Embassy in Beirut has publicly stated its condition for American support: the meeting between Aoun and Netanyahu must take place. The Trump administration is also seeking to capitalize on this opportunity, mirroring the Abraham Accords-style photo opportunities achieved in other regions.

Source: Al Jazeera