Soon after hosting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, Donald Trump directed his administration to allow US airline carriers to operate direct flights to Lebanon so Americans can visit the country more easily.
What Trump posted
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said Aoun had done a remarkable job transforming his country, and that he was directing his administration to let all US airline carriers fly directly to Lebanon. He added that he hoped other countries would follow suit so people could enjoy visiting the nation.
Aoun's Hezbollah disarmament plan
The meeting took place on 21 July 2026, during which Aoun presented Trump with a plan to disarm Hezbollah. Alongside the plan, the Lebanese army has been stepping up its deployment in the south of the country, seen as a key part of putting the disarmament effort into action.
Trump's pledge to help Lebanon
During the meeting, Trump said the United States would help Lebanon and that the country would get the respect it deserves. He also signalled he was open to direct talks with Hezbollah if the Beirut government were to ask him to.
Aoun's request on Netanyahu
According to reports, Aoun asked Trump to take a step he rarely does, pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Beirut continues pushing for a full Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Israel's withdrawal and what comes next
Israel has meanwhile begun withdrawing forces from a designated pilot zone, viewed as a sign that a broader deal between Lebanon and Israel could be coming into focus. Trump and Aoun also jointly addressed the media following their meeting.
Why this matters
Direct flights between the US and Lebanon have been unavailable for years, so Trump's announcement could bring relief to Lebanese Americans and travellers hoping to visit. The meeting also points to a potential shift in the relationship between Lebanon, Israel and the United States.
