Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun firmly stated that the Lebanese army is fulfilling its duties "precisely" in southern Lebanon, countering Israeli allegations that Beirut has not adhered to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement established last year.
According to Anadolu Agency, President Aoun, during a meeting in Beirut with Anne-Claire Legendre, a political adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighted the challenges faced by the Lebanese army due to "Israel's continued occupation of Lebanese territory, its ongoing hostile actions, and its failure to implement the agreement announced in November 2024." Aoun emphasized that the army remains active in areas south of the Litani River, focusing on seizing weapons, uncovering tunnels, and extending full state authority in alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The Lebanese government's decision on August 5 to restrict all weapons to state control, including those held by Hezbollah, mandates the army to implement a comprehensive plan by the end of 2025. Hezbollah, however, has maintained its stance not to disarm until Israel ceases its military operations.
Aoun criticized the international community, particularly unnamed countries that have adopted Israel's accusations, for overlooking Israel's "ongoing attacks" and violations of the ceasefire agreement. He revealed that 12 Lebanese soldiers have died since the ceasefire took effect, dismissing claims of army negligence as "pure fabrication."
The President called for support for the "Conference in Support of the Lebanese Army," which France is organizing with the US and Saudi Arabia, to provide the military with much-needed equipment and vehicles. Furthermore, he welcomed possible European involvement in maintaining stability post-UNIFIL's withdrawal at the end of 2026, with plans to increase the army's numbers to 10,000 troops by the year's end.
Anne-Claire Legendre, during her visit, reiterated President Macron's commitment to supporting Lebanon and also met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss regional developments.
Tensions in southern Lebanon have escalated, with the Israeli army intensifying air raids, allegedly targeting Hezbollah members and infrastructure. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 4,000 deaths and nearly 17,000 injuries in Lebanon since Israel's offensive began in October 2023, escalating in September 2024. The November 2024 ceasefire stipulated an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January, but Israel has only partially pulled out, maintaining a military presence at five border outposts.