Joseph Aoun

'Land for arms': Can Israel finally make a peace deal with Lebanon work?

DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: After decades of failed formulas, Israel is testing a new approach in Lebanon - one that seeks to change Beirut's behavior rather than Jerusalem's.

LEBANESE TROOPS deploy in the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in the Nabatieh region after the IDF withdrew from the area earlier this week.
 U.S. President Donald Trump (L) greets President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun as he arrives at the White House on July 21, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Historic Trump-Aoun meeting showcases White House's new Middle East priorities - analysis

Middle East Airlines aircraft sit on the tarmac at Beirut's Rafik Hariri airport on April 10, 2026.

Trump directs lifting of US flight ban to Lebanon after high-level meeting with Joseph Aoun

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2026.

A rare chance for peace between Israel and Lebanon must not be missed - opinion


Lebanon, Hezbollah agree on civilian involvement in peace talks with Israel - report

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have all reportedly approved the plan.

Hezbollah supporters gather to mark the first anniversary of the assassinations of Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2025

Lebanon, US envoy clash over Israeli strikes and Hezbollah's role

US envoy Morgan Ortagus meets Lebanon’s leaders to discuss Israeli strikes, Hezbollah disarmament, and efforts to stabilize the region.

US envoy Morgan Ortagus speaks in Beirut, August 26, 2025; illustrative.

Iran exploits strike on Hamas in Qatar to slam Israel - analysis

Iranian officials are seizing the opportunity created by global condemnation of Israel's strike on Hamas leaders to bolster regional alliances.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, ahead of the Emergency Arab Muslim summit, in Doha, Qatar, September 14, 2025.

Lebanon cabinet grants license to Elon Musk's Starlink

Starlink, the satellite internet firm led by billionaire Elon Musk, will now be able to provide internet services nationwide, which ranks among the countries with the slowest internet speeds.

Starlink 44 Satellite

Lebanon's new leaders believe they can salvage the state from Hezbollah - analysis

There is a belief today that Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in decades and this gives an opportunity to those like Salam and Aoun to change Lebanon’s trajectory.

President Joseph Aoun (R) chairs the first meeting of Lebanon's new government, along with Premier Nawaf Salam, at the Baabda presidential palace, east of Beirut, on February 11, 2025

Lebanon to draft plan for Hezbollah disarmament on Sunday, US envoy says

Israel will give a counterproposal when it receives Lebanon's plan, Barrack said after meeting with the Lebanese president in Beirut.

Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem appears on a screen as people gather to watch the public funeral ceremony of Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes last year, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon February 23, 2025.

Netanyahu: Israel ready to support Lebanon's disarmament of Hezbollah with phased IDF pullback

The Lebanese government and army are expected to finalize, by next week, an implementation plan for its decision to disarm Hezbollah.

 IDF operating in Lebanon, published January 16, 2024

IDF must reconsider its approach to Lebanese army, as Hezbollah infiltration revealed - analysis

Over the years, Hezbollah had "placed a significant number of Shi'ite officers" into prominent leadership positions, effectively taking over control of Lebanon's military intelligence.

Members of the Lebanese army walk near Beirut international airport, Lebanon, February 15, 2025

Lebanon looks to disarm Palestinian factions before turning to Hezbollah - analysis

In Lebanon, the pro-Iranian factions continue to take a wait and see approach as to whether the government will actually disarm Hezbollah.

Demonstrators carry flags as they take part in a protest against the hunger crisis in Gaza, in Sidon, Lebanon July 25, 2025

US envoy says Israel should 'comply' with Lebanon plan to disarm terrorist groups

Under phase 1 of the plan, the Lebanese government would issue a decision committing to Hezbollah's disarmament by the end of the year, and Israel would cease military operations in Lebanon.

 U.S. envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack stands at U.S. ambassador's residency in Damascus, Syria May 29, 2025.