US President Donald Trump yesterday gifted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun a pledge of substantial aid for Lebanon and concrete plans to support the Lebanese army, during his reception of Aoun at the White House, where he affirmed that the United States will work to solve a number of problems facing Lebanon, and that it will ensure he is treated with the respect he deserves.

Trump avoided setting a timeline for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, using the term redeployment, adding that Israel and Lebanon are in full agreement, and that the agreement signed between them was 'wonderful'.

For his part, Aoun described the framework agreement with Israel as a 'historic achievement' and that its ultimate goal is to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel forever. He added: 'It is time for Lebanon and the region to enjoy stability and security.'

The meeting came hours after the Lebanese army began deploying in the first towns from which Israeli forces withdrew, implementing the 'experimental zone', and starting its security procedures regarding inspection and dismantling ammunition from war remnants, with residents expected to return to inspect the aftermath of war in the town after hazards are removed.

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