Israel’s occupation of southern hills hinders Lebanon’s authority, says President Aoun

By Murat Basoglu and Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed on Saturday that the continued Israeli occupation of five hills in the south of the country and the ongoing attacks make it difficult for the state to fully assert its authority and implement its decisions, including the monopoly of arms.

Aoun received UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Baabda Palace, east of Beirut, who arrived on Saturday evening from Syria, according to a statement issued by the President's Office.

President Aoun told the UK minister that he "looks forward to continued British support for Lebanon in regional and international forums, especially at the UN Security Council, regarding the extension of the mandate of the international forces operating in the south (UNIFIL), because the current situation in Lebanon and the region requires the continued presence of these forces to fully implement Resolution 1701."

The Lebanese president pointed out that his army "has deployed in the south of the Litani River, except for areas still occupied by Israel, particularly the five hills, which Israel refuses to withdraw from despite the agreement reached last November under American and French auspices, with the approval of the Lebanese government and the support of the international community."

Aoun explained to Lammy that "the number of soldiers in the south will reach 10,000 in the area south of the Litani."

He indicated that "there will be no armed forces in the south other than the Lebanese army and Lebanese security forces, in addition to UNIFIL."

Aoun considered that "the continued occupation of these five hills, which have no military value in light of the technological advancement of monitoring equipment, prevents the establishment of security and stability in the south."

He added: "Israel's refusal to return Lebanese prisoners detained there and the ongoing hostile acts that sometimes target the southern suburb of Beirut and the roads leading to the capital make it difficult for the state to fully assert its authority, protect citizens, and implement its decisions, including the monopoly of arms."

On Friday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said the party will not comply with calls to surrender its weapons until the Israeli "aggression" departs Lebanon.

Aoun called for "pressure on Israel to withdraw its forces and provide the necessary guarantees to prevent repeated attacks on Lebanon and adhere fully to Resolution 1701."

He thanked the UK for the support it provides to the Lebanese army, especially in building and equipping observation towers on the border.

He also confirmed Lebanon’s welcome of any assistance that would enhance stability on the southern border and enable the army and international forces to carry out their joint tasks.

He told the UK foreign secretary that "the Lebanese government is moving forward with reforms it considers a Lebanese priority before being an international demand."

He cited achievements such as the amendment of the banking secrecy law, the parliament's discussion of the banking restructuring law, the Cabinet's preparation of the financial gap law, and other measures aimed at restoring financial confidence in Lebanon and its economy.

Israel launched an assault on Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, escalating into a full-scale war by Sept. 23, 2024. More than 4,000 people have been killed, over 17,000 wounded, and nearly 1.4 million displaced, according to official data.

Despite a ceasefire reached last November, Israeli forces have conducted near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, saying they are targeting Hezbollah’s activities.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of at least 215 people and injuries to more than 500, since the agreement was signed.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was to withdraw fully from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply. Israeli forces continue to maintain a presence at five border outposts.