Lebanese President: Israeli Occupation Hinders Army Deployment, Undermines Peace

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Army asserting its full sovereignty along the borders and called for pressure on Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories. Aoun clarified that the continued occupation undermines the state's legitimacy and prevents the deployment of Lebanese armed forces, thus hindering the establishment of a just and lasting peace. Aoun stated that the Lebanese armed forces and security agencies constitute the fundamental pillar for achieving stability and security in the South, enabling residents to return to their homes. He firmly rejected any return to civil war in Lebanon, stressing that such a scenario is out of the question despite persistent attempts to incite discord. President Aoun's remarks came during a video conference with the "Task Force for Lebanon," where he expressed gratitude for the group's ongoing support for Lebanon and its people, and for its efforts to enhance the country's sovereignty and independence. He sought the group's backing for the framework agreement reached with Israel under American auspices, aimed at implementing its provisions, particularly concerning sovereignty and the deployment of Lebanese state authority, with its forces, across all its territories. President Aoun also reviewed the history of relations between Lebanon and Israel since 1949, covering the military confrontations that have occurred in the region, leading up to the Cairo Agreement in 1969, and extending to the current situation. He warned against the repercussions of Israeli intransigence, noting that negotiation was the only remaining option after wars failed to achieve their stated objectives. He stressed that the continued Israeli presence in Lebanese territories and Tel Aviv's stubborn refusal to withdraw would not serve the joint goals of the United States and Lebanon in restoring Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, and the strength of its institutions. He urged the U.S. administration to exert pressure to achieve a complete Israeli withdrawal, asserting that it is the key to any genuine, tangible, and realistic progress on the path to peace in Lebanon, and to ensuring security and stability on the southern Lebanese border. He reiterated that the Lebanese Army and security forces are the cornerstone for stability and security in the South, and for the return of residents to their homes. He also clarified that the suspension of lawsuits between Lebanon and Israel is limited to the period of ongoing negotiations and does not imply a complete waiver of these claims.