Lebanese President Joseph Aoun sought US President Donald Trump's support to 'turn the page on wars, tragedies, and pain,' ahead of an anticipated meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the United States.

In a congratulatory message to Trump on the 250th anniversary of US independence, Aoun said: 'As we appreciate your efforts in this regard, we call on you to continue standing firmly by Lebanon's just and fair causes, and by its institutions, army, and people, so that we may turn the page on wars, tragedies, and pain, and open a new chapter of hope, peace, and stability.'

Israel is seeking US approval to resume fighting in southern Lebanon and expand its influence to a strategic hill east of the city of Nabatieh. Israeli sources told Channel 15 that Netanyahu is waiting for a green light from Trump to take over a Hezbollah base embedded in the strategic heights of the 'Ali al-Taher' area.

A Lebanese source said Netanyahu is continuing to apply pressure by fire on Lebanon, and is currently threatening to target 'Ali al-Taher hill' in order to improve his terms ahead of the elections.

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Aoun preempts Trump-Netanyahu meeting by calling on US president to support Lebanon