Lebanese President Aoun Advocates for Negotiation to Achieve Stability in Southern Lebanon

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met on Thursday with French political advisor Anne-Claire Le Gendre to discuss the situation in southern Lebanon and the prospects for achieving stability.

During the meeting, President Aoun emphasized, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, that "the ongoing Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and continued hostile actions are preventing the Lebanese army from fully deploying in the southern Litani area up to the international border, as well as the lack of implementation of the agreement announced in November 2024."

In response to media campaigns targeting the army, President Aoun clarified that "the Lebanese army executes the instructions given to it with precision, contrary to Israel's efforts to undermine its capability and role, which enjoys the support of all Lebanese who appreciate the army's efforts to protect citizens in the south and ensure public safety." He noted that "12 soldiers have lost their lives in the line of duty," stressing that "claims regarding the army's lack of performance are mere defamation."

He also pointed out that "moral support for the army is insufficient for it to fulfill its complete role; it requires equipment and military vehicles," considering that this "should be provided through a conference to support the Lebanese army and armed forces, which the French president is kindly organizing in coordination with the United States and Saudi Arabia."

President Aoun highlighted the importance of "also preparing a reconstruction conference, which is essential for allowing those in the south, whose villages and homes have been destroyed, to return and rebuild." He expressed astonishment at "how some countries adopt Israel's narrative regarding Lebanon's non-compliance with its obligations under the November 2024 agreement, while ignoring Israel's ongoing attacks and violations of international will, particularly that of the agreement's sponsors, France and the United States."

For her part, French advisor Anne-Claire Le Gendre confirmed that her country "will work to strengthen stability in the south and activate the 'mechanism' according to Lebanese wishes."

It is worth noting that President Aoun welcomed during the meeting "any European participation in preserving stability following the withdrawal of 'UNIFIL' in coordination with the army, which will increase its number to 10,000 soldiers by the end of this year."