Lebanon’s Army Commander Conducts Third Visit to US since His Appointment

 US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard stands next to Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun in Hamat Air Base in Lebanon’s mountains on October 31, 2017. (REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim)
US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard stands next to Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun in Hamat Air Base in Lebanon’s mountains on October 31, 2017. (REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim)
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Lebanon’s Army Commander Conducts Third Visit to US since His Appointment

 US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard stands next to Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun in Hamat Air Base in Lebanon’s mountains on October 31, 2017. (REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim)
US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard stands next to Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun in Hamat Air Base in Lebanon’s mountains on October 31, 2017. (REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim)

The visit of Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to the United States reflected a US commitment to empower the Lebanese Army and develop its military capabilities, as a strategic partner of the US military in the region to fight terrorism.

Aoun began on Monday an official visit to the United States, during which he will meet with a number of military and civilian officials to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation between the armies of the two countries.

This is the third visit of the LAF commander to Washington since taking office in the spring of 2017. Aoun made his first visit after taking command of the army and the second when he was honored after the successful battle against terrorist organizations on the eastern border with Syria.

Well-informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the recent visit “confirmed that there was no change in the US policy towards Lebanon, contrary to claims that emerged over the past months that Washington was reviewing its support to the Lebanese army.”

“The US army regards the Lebanese military as a strategic partner in the region and in the efforts to fight terrorism and consolidate stability,” the sources said.

“Washington believes that investing in Lebanon’s security is made through the army because it represents the first line of defense against terrorism,” the sources added.

Military sources said the visit was aimed to review and evaluate the US assistance to Lebanon, determine its effectiveness and the need for future additional aid to the army.



Israel Says it Has Recovered Bodies of 2 Hostages from Gaza Strip

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
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Israel Says it Has Recovered Bodies of 2 Hostages from Gaza Strip

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Israel said Thursday that it has recovered the bodies of two hostages taken in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remains of Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai had been recovered and returned to Israel in a special operation by the army and the Shin Bet internal security agency.

“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,” he said in a statement.

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the deaths of Weinstein and Haggai, both in their early 70s, in December 2023.

The couple were taking an early morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Oct. 7.

In the early hours of the morning, Weinstein was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family.

The couple were survived by two sons and two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said.

Following the recovery of two bodies, 56 hostages are still held by Hamas, with fewer than half believed to be alive, according to Israeli estimates.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the Oct. 7 assault.