Aoun Calls for US Pressure on Israel Amid Escalation
President Joseph Aoun received U.S. Congress members Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer, along with members of the accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, Aoun said Lebanon places great importance on the United States pressing Israel to comply with the framework agreement, stressing that Israel continues to disregard its provisions despite Lebanon’s full commitment to implementing the deal.
Aoun also called for an immediate halt to demolition, excavation and destruction operations in the southern villages currently occupied by Israel.
He said activating the framework agreement requires swift action to complete the release of Lebanese detainees, resolve outstanding disputes along the Blue Line, and ensure the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, followed by the deployment of the Lebanese Army there up to the internationally recognized southern border.
“Any delay by Israel in implementing the framework agreement will keep tensions high in the south and prevent the state from extending its authority across the entire southern region,” Aoun said. He added that such delays would also hinder efforts to remove armed presence and allow displaced residents of the south to return to their villages and towns.
Aoun further stressed the need to provide the Lebanese Army with the resources required to carry out its responsibilities and extend state authority, particularly given the wide range of duties it performs outside the south, including combating terrorism and smuggling, securing the eastern and northern borders, maintaining civil peace and protecting state institutions.
Turning to domestic affairs, Aoun said the government remains committed to implementing financial, economic and judicial reforms. He noted that several reform laws have already been enacted, including amendments to banking secrecy legislation, a bank restructuring law and a media law, with further reforms underway.
For his part, U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood said he highly valued President Aoun’s efforts to safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and to strengthen the authority of the state.
LaHood also praised the results achieved following Aoun’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the visit as highly successful.
He said Lebanon now has an opportunity to restore stability to the country and the wider region, stressing that the opportunity should not be missed.
