Israel’s Border Presence Hinders Full Lebanese Army Deployment, Aoun Says
Lebanese Army Claims Control of 85% of Southern Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asserted that while the national army has secured control over 85% of southern Lebanon and is operating effectively, the complete deployment of troops across the border region is being directly impeded by Israel’s continued occupation of five key border positions. Speaking during a visit to the United Arab Emirates, Aoun stated that this ongoing Israeli presence remains the sole obstacle preventing the Lebanese army from fully establishing its authority throughout the south following the ceasefire, despite the general withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.
However, Aoun identified a significant obstacle to the army’s full deployment: “Israel’s occupation of five border positions.” He called for international pressure on Israel to withdraw from these points, which have remained occupied despite the broader Israeli withdrawal following the ceasefire.
Adding to the complexities of the situation, President Aoun addressed the sensitive issue of Hezbollah’s arms. He revealed, “We’re in agreement with Speaker (Nabih) Berri over the issue of Hezbollah’s arms.” This statement signals a potential alignment between key Lebanese political figures on a matter of significant national importance.
Furthermore, President Aoun stated that the priority is to remove heavy and medium weapons from southern Lebanon, and that the removing of weapons not under state control applies to all of Lebanon. He also highlighted that the Lebanese army is working to control the crossing points, to prevent the tranfer of weapons to the south of the Litani river. Also there has been reports that the Lebanese army has dismantled over 90% of Hezbollahs infrastructure near the border with Israel.
“We’re in agreement with Speaker (Nabih) Berri over the issue of Hezbollah’s arms,” Aoun added, in an interview with Sky News Arabia broadcast as he departed to the UAE on an official visit.
Aoun, on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, said the Lebanese army was “fulfilling its role without any problems or opposition,” and charged that the single obstacle to the full deployment of soldiers across the border area was “Israel’s occupation of five border positions.”
While Israeli forces withdrew from almost all areas in southern Lebanon following the start of the ceasefire, troops have remained deployed at five key points.
