Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has demanded Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline set in last year’s ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized support for Aoun and the Lebanese army while cautioning against continued Israeli violations. The situation remains critical as Lebanon deals with serious economic and political challenges, requiring international assistance and cooperation for stability.
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon has called for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline set in last year’s ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. This statement came during Aoun’s meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who urged an end to Israeli ‘occupation’ in southern Lebanon. Aoun expressed concerns about continuous Israeli violations, proclaiming them as infringements on Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Guterres pledged to make every effort to facilitate a secure withdrawal of Israeli forces by the established deadline. He offered a hopeful vision for Lebanon under Aoun’s leadership, promising stability and potential regional significance. Aoun, the former army chief, supports the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, emphasizing the need for regional security.
Political instability in Lebanon has been exacerbated by external pressures, including Israeli attacks, as well as an ongoing economic crisis. Guterres’s visit highlighted international support for President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam during these challenging times. With Lebanon’s economy struggling, external assistance remains vital for recovery efforts.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah is required to retreat from areas near the Litani River and dismantle military assets. UN peacekeepers have discovered numerous arms caches linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The growing presence of the Lebanese army, alongside UN forces, aims to restore order and security in the border region.
French President Emmanuel Macron, visiting Beirut, called for a swift Israeli withdrawal and the bolstering of the Lebanese army. Parallel to Guterres’s commitment, the United States announced over $117 million in new security assistance for Lebanon, reinforcing support for the Lebanese armed forces as they work towards compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Hezbollah leaders, while acknowledging persistent violations by Israel, conveyed patience for the Lebanese state’s handling of the ceasefire agreement amidst ongoing tensions. They assert that continued infringements may exacerbate the already volatile situation.
The current tensions between Lebanon and Israel can be traced back to a prolonged history of conflict, notably marked by the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The region has remained unstable, with ongoing violations affecting the security situation. In recent years, international diplomacy has accentuated calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the strengthening of the Lebanese army to foster regional peace and stability. President Aoun’s administration aims to address these challenges while navigating a severe economic crisis and political fragmentation within Lebanon.
President Aoun’s insistence on Israel’s withdrawal by January 26 reflects a significant stance on Lebanese sovereignty. Concurrently, international support, especially from the UN and the U.S., emphasizes the importance of stabilizing Lebanon amid economic turmoil and regional insecurity. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing violations and calls for compliance to ceasefire agreements. The successful implementation of these measures is crucial for lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
