U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said Monday that a potential meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not be viewed as a loss or concession for Lebanon.
Speaking in a live address, Issa stressed that such a meeting would provide an opportunity for Lebanon to present its demands directly. “If President Aoun visits President Trump, there is no loss for Lebanon in that,” Issa said, adding that Aoun would outline Lebanon’s requirements in front of both Trump and Netanyahu, after which negotiations could begin.
Rejecting the notion that engaging with Israel constitutes weakness, Issa remarked, “Is Netanyahu a bogeyman? He is simply another negotiating party.”
Issa emphasized that a visit to Washington would allow Lebanon to formally place its priorities on the table, noting that the United States seeks to preserve Lebanon’s independence, dignity, and economic stability.
According to Issa, Lebanon’s key demand would center on sovereignty, particularly ensuring that “every inch of Lebanon remains and returns to Lebanon.” He added that while Hezbollah’s stated goal is the return of Lebanese territory, Israel’s position focuses on peace and non-expansion, implying a future in which Hezbollah would no longer play its current role or would have to operate under different conditions.
Issa confirmed he would visit Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, clarifying that “there are no decisions being made in Awkar” and rejecting the framing that Lebanon faces a binary choice between a meeting with Netanyahu or war.
He concluded by downplaying fears of imminent instability, stating he does not believe Lebanon is heading toward a security escalation.
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