Trump just delivered Israel a major victory in Lebanon

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration recently lifted a decades-old ban on direct commercial flights to Lebanon, a move that garnered significant media attention. However, the more substantial diplomatic development, according to the article, is Trump's refusal to pressure Israel into a full withdrawal from Southern Lebanon, a key request from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during his visit to Washington. This refusal is considered a major diplomatic victory for Israel.

• The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Lebanon, and Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is associated with Hezbollah's influence, making the practical impact of the flight ban lift questionable.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio negotiated a framework with Israel that ties any further Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon to Hezbollah's complete disarmament.
• The article argues that this condition is unlikely to be met, effectively allowing Israel to remain in strategically vital areas.
• This approach reflects a principle that "to the victor go the spoils," aiming to deter future aggression by ensuring territorial consequences for launching wars.