Washington, DC: In Defense of Christians (IDC), America’s leading advocacy organization for Christians in the Middle East, welcomes yesterday’s White House meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as an important opportunity to restore Lebanese sovereignty, strengthen the country’s legitimate national institutions, and advance a durable peace between Lebanon and Israel. 

 The historic meeting—the first of its kind in nearly two decades—addressed the disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) into areas restored to state control. In a historic step toward strengthening ties between the two countries, President Trump also directed his administration to allow all U.S. airlines to fly directly to Lebanon, lifting restrictions imposed in 1985 and reopening the possibility of direct commercial air service after more than four decades. 

For decades, Hezbollah has operated as an Iranian-backed military and political force outside the authority of the Lebanese state. Its independent arsenal and unilateral decisions of war and peace have repeatedly subjected Lebanon to violence, displacement, economic devastation, and foreign intervention. Lasting peace requires the complete and verifiable disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and the restoration of the state’s exclusive authority over arms and national security. 

The LAF must be properly equipped and supported to secure Lebanon’s borders, assume responsibility throughout the country, and prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding an independent military infrastructure. 

A sovereign and peaceful Lebanon is also essential to the future of its ancient Christian communities. Decades of conflict, economic collapse, political paralysis, and Iranian interference have accelerated Christian emigration and threatened Lebanon’s historic identity as a pluralistic bridge between East and West. 

 “Yesterday’s meeting offers Lebanon a rare opportunity to reclaim its sovereignty and determine its own future,” said IDC Executive Director Richard Ghazal. “IDC commends President Trump for his commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability. Achieving that vision requires the disarmament of Hezbollah, the strengthening of the LAF, and an end to foreign domination over Lebanon. A Lebanon free from Hezbollah and Iranian control would provide a foundation for lasting peace and renewed hope for Lebanon’s Christians.” 

IDC urges the United States to sustain high-level diplomatic engagement, security assistance, and economic support while insisting on concrete implementation and measurable accountability. 

 In Defense of Christians (IDC) is a Washington-based advocacy organization dedicated to defending Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East through policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and public awareness initiatives.