Lebanese President Stresses Army's Role in Southern Lebanon, Calls for Ongoing US Assistance
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Synopsis
On April 15, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed the Lebanese army's commitment to its duties in areas vacated by Israeli forces. He urged continued support from the US Senate for the army and security forces, highlighting the importance of disarming Hezbollah.
Key Takeaways
- Lebanese army is active in southern Lebanon.
- President Aoun calls for US support.
- Resolution 1701 mandates army deployment.
- US emphasizes disarming Hezbollah.
- Ceasefire in effect since November 2024.
Beirut, April 15 (NationPress) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that the Lebanese army is diligently fulfilling its responsibilities in regions vacated by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Aoun made these comments during a meeting with Paul Grove, a senior member of the US Senate Appropriations Committee, as stated in an official presidential announcement.
He stated, "The Lebanese army is actively engaged in the villages and towns from which Israeli forces have retreated, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701." He mentioned that the army is systematically confiscating all varieties of weapons and ammunition, representing a definitive sign of its ability to safeguard citizens.
Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, concluded a 33-day conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, mandating the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese land, the deployment of the Lebanese army along the southern frontier, and prohibiting arms and armed factions south of the Litani River, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Aoun also expressed gratitude to the United States for its ongoing support of the Lebanese army and various public institutions, urging the US Senate to address Lebanon's needs comprehensively, particularly regarding the army and security forces.
In response, Grove reaffirmed the US's dedication to aiding Lebanon and providing support across various sectors, including military, educational, and social services.
On April 7, a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon, led by Edward Gabriel, conveyed a message from Washington to Aoun, stressing the necessity to disarm Hezbollah and implement critical reforms for Lebanon to qualify for financial aid.
Additionally, US Deputy Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus reiterated the significance of disarming Hezbollah and enacting reforms during a recent trip to Beirut.
Since November 27, 2024, a ceasefire brokered by the US and France has been active between Hezbollah and Israel, ending over a year of hostilities sparked by the conflict in Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military continues to conduct near-daily operations in Lebanon, asserting that it is targeting "threats" posed by Hezbollah. It has also sustained its presence on five hilltops along the Lebanese border, contravening the agreement.
