WASHINGTON/BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US President Donald Trump on Tuesday that a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory was essential to consolidating stability and enabling the state to extend its authority, the Lebanese presidency said. In their first meeting, the two leaders discussed plans to disarm the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and secure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. The Lebanese presidency said they also discussed US support for Lebanon’s army, reconstruction, economic recovery and American investment.

Lebanese President will press for US guarantees on Israel and support for army

By Maya Gebeily and Tom PerryBEIRUT, July 19 (Reuters) - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will make his first trip to the White House this week to present a plan to U.S. President…