From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Trump announces move to allow US airlines to fly directly to Lebanon for first time in decades
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Donald Trump announces that he has directed his administration to allow US air carriers to fly directly to Lebanon, more than 40 years after such flights were suspended.
Trump delivers the news on his Truth Social network shortly after his White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
The US president says Aoun “has done a remarkable job working to transform his country” and expresses his hope that other countries will follow Washington’s path in resuming direct flights to “this beautiful land.”
Despite Trump’s announcement, the US State Department strongly urges against travel to Lebanon due to the security risks involved.
“Do not travel to Lebanon for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict,” a State Department advisory says.
Aoun came to today’s meeting aiming to secure US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, which is tasked with helping disarm Hezbollah.
He has also been pushing for the US to urge Israel to hasten its withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon.
Trump’s announcement does not mention either of these issues.
The Times of Israel Community.