Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited south Lebanon on Monday morning to inspect army units deployed along the front lines and to meet with Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun to assess the situation in the eastern sector.
The army announced on the X platform that “the Commander-in-Chief of the army arrived at the Seventh Infantry Brigade post at the François Hajj Barracks in Marjayoun, where he met with officers and soldiers to fine-tune their missions and operations.”
For his part, Mikati announced, from the army barracks in Marjayoun, plans to meet with the committee overseeing the ceasefire. He stressed “the need to focus on Israel’s withdrawal from all the territories it has entered.”
He also praised the army's resilience and dedication, stating, “The army has never failed in its missions.” Mikati acknowledged the challenges ahead and expressed confidence that “the army will prove it is capable of carrying out all its tasks.”
Mikati further praised the army as a symbol of national unity, saying, “The army has always proven that it represents the unity of this country and performs its duties.” He added that all Lebanese stand in solidarity with and support the armed forces.
Mikati continued his tour in the south and visited Ibl al-Saqi and Khiam, reiterating similar calls. He emphasized that “the priority is the full implementation of Resolution 1701” and expressed hope for stability in southern Lebanon “through the full performance of the army's tasks in cooperation with UNIFIL.”
As for Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun, he highlighted the army’s perseverance despite limited resources, stating, “The army has remained steadfast in its positions and has protected civilians.” Aoun reaffirmed the army’s commitment to its mission, asserting, “We will continue our mission because we believe in what we are doing.”
Situation in South Lebanon
It is important to note that the progressive deployment of the Lebanese army in Khiam has now entered its eleventh day. The repositioning was made possible after the announcement of a ceasefire on November 27. However, soldiers have not been able to reach the southern and eastern outskirts yet, as Israeli forces continue their maneuvers in the plains of Sarda, Mari, Majidiyeh and Wazzani.
In this context, a notable withdrawal of several Israeli army vehicles and bulldozers was observed in Naqoura. The Israeli presence is now limited to a few soldiers positioned in various areas around the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Additionally, vehicle access from Bint Jbeil to Maroun al-Ras was blocked on Monday morning, as the Israeli army obstructed the road with mounds of dirt and cement blocks.
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