Lebanon's President Aoun Advocates Negotiations for Southern Stability, Blames Israel for Military Deployment Issues

Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun met today, Thursday, with Anne-Claire Legendre, a political advisor to the French President, to discuss the situation in southern Lebanon and the prospects for stability.

During the meeting, President Aoun emphasized, according to a statement from the Lebanese Presidential Office, that "the ongoing Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and continuous hostile actions are preventing the Lebanese Army from extending its presence in the area south of the Litani River up to the international border, as well as the non-compliance with the agreement announced in November 2024."

In response to media campaigns against the army, President Aoun stated that "the Lebanese Army is strictly following the orders given to it, contrary to the claims propagated by Israel to undermine the army's capability and role, which is supported by all Lebanese who appreciate the efforts of the army units to ensure the safety of southern citizens and maintain public security." He noted that "12 soldiers have fallen during their missions" and stressed that "any claims regarding the army's shortcomings are entirely fabricated."

He also pointed out that "moral support for the army is insufficient for it to fulfill its role completely, as it requires military equipment and vehicles," viewing this as something that "should be provided through a conference to support the Lebanese Army and Armed Forces, which the French President is graciously convening in coordination with the United States and Saudi Arabia."

President Aoun highlighted the importance of "preparing for a reconstruction conference, which should also lay the foundation for the return and survival of the southern residents whose villages and homes have been destroyed," expressing his astonishment at "how some countries support Israel's claims regarding the non-compliance of Lebanese obligations under the November 2024 agreement while ignoring Israel's ongoing aggressions and violations of the international community's will, particularly that of the guarantors of the agreement to cease hostilities, France and the United States."

For her part, French advisor Anne-Claire Legendre confirmed that her country "will work to solidify stability in the south and activate the work of the 'mechanism' in accordance with Lebanese wishes."

It is noteworthy that President Aoun welcomed "any European involvement in maintaining stability following the withdrawal of 'UNIFIL,' which is expected to increase to 10,000 soldiers by the end of this year, in coordination with the army."