BEIRUT: Lebanon hailed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he ordered all American airlines to resume direct flights to Lebanon. He made the announcement earlier this week following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. The move carries political, economic and security significance, reflecting a shift in the way the US views Lebanon and paving the way for a new chapter in relations. All US flights were suspended in 1985 after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 from Athens, Greece, en route to Rome, Italy. The flight was forced to land in Beirut.

Beirut touts the Lebanese president’s Washington trip as proof direct talks work, but critics fear the agreement with Israel could draw the army into confrontation with Hezbollah

President Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington over the weekend and is holding the first Oval Office meeting for a Lebanese head of state since 2009.

The announcement followed a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House