Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stressed the need for the Lebanese army to redeploy along the country’s borders and for stronger international pressure on Israel to withdraw from areas it still occupies in Lebanon.
Aoun said the continued Israeli presence undermines the legitimacy of the Lebanese state, prevents the army from completing its deployment and obstructs the foundations of a just and lasting peace.
Speaking via video call with the American Task Force on Lebanon, Aoun said the Lebanese army and security forces remain the cornerstone of stability and security in the south.
He added that the return of residents to their villages and homes depends on strengthening the army’s deployment and extending state authority across all Lebanese territory.
During the call, Aoun thanked the group for its continued support for Lebanon and its people, as well as for its efforts to support Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence.
He also called for support for the framework reached with Israel under US sponsorship, particularly its provisions related to sovereignty and the extension of Lebanese state authority over all territory.
Aoun said Lebanon still needs support in confronting voices inside the United States that, in his words, do not want what is best for Lebanon.
The Lebanese president also reviewed the course of Lebanese-Israeli relations since 1949, saying negotiation has become the only remaining option after war failed to achieve its declared objectives.
He warned that any continued Israeli presence on Lebanese territory would harm Lebanon’s interests and undermine the goals sought by both Beirut and Washington in restoring sovereignty and strengthening stability.
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