President Joseph Aoun underscored the urgent need for Israeli forces to withdraw from five strategic points in southern Lebanon to facilitate the full deployment of the Lebanese Army (LAF) along the border.
“This withdrawal is essential to enable the state to assume full responsibility for border security,” Aoun stated.
Following the expiration of the ceasefire deadline on February 18, Israeli forces remained stationed on five key hills, citing the need to secure their border and prevent Hezbollah from rearming.
In a meeting on Monday with a visiting delegation from the French Senate, Aoun addressed the situation and reaffirmed that the Lebanese Army, already active along the northeastern border, is effectively carrying out its duties, notably in counterterrorism operations, anti-smuggling efforts and maintaining internal security.
Aoun emphasized the state’s exclusive authority over armed forces. He declared, “This decision has been taken, and there is no question of managing the situation by resorting to warlike language.”
On reforms, the President highlighted that the measures underway are driven by internal necessity rather than external pressures. “We have begun to implement these reforms, and we will see them through,” he asserted, stressing that fighting corruption remains central to restoring public order and improving services for citizens.
Regarding Lebanese-Syrian relations, Aoun announced the establishment of joint Lebanese-Syrian committees tasked with addressing unresolved issues, including the demarcation of land and maritime borders and the situation of displaced Syrians in Lebanon.
Looking ahead to the municipal elections scheduled for May, he confirmed they would be held on time. He also emphasized the state’s role in ensuring the security and administrative integrity of the elections, guaranteeing the Lebanese people’s freedom to choose their local representatives.
“What we are striving for in all our endeavors is to rebuild the state and restore confidence in it, both nationally and internationally,” he concluded.
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