Lebanese President Visits Hezbollah Stronghold, Calls for State Sovereignty

Lebanese President Michel Aoun made a surprise visit to the southern city of Nabatieh, a region with deep Hezbollah influence, on Tuesday. During his visit, Aoun emphasized the need for the Lebanese state to reassert its sovereignty in the south, stating, "The south is a fundamental part of Lebanon, and it is time for the state to return to the south." He called on all government ministries to support residents and ensure they can remain in their homes.

The Lebanese state has recently increased its presence in Nabatieh, with state security forces resuming patrols, establishing checkpoints, and declaring their aim to "protect the city and strengthen the sense of security." President Aoun met with the head of state security to discuss the expansion of Hezbollah's activities in the south, particularly in Nabatieh.

Aoun also addressed the escalating situation with Israel, commenting that "any security vacuum in the south serves as an excuse for attacks and a violation of national sovereignty." He linked the deployment of security forces in Nabatieh to Lebanon's commitments and its position in negotiations with Israel, asserting that the security of Nabatieh and areas not under Israeli control is integral to Lebanon's overall security.

He further intensified his criticism of Israeli actions, describing repeated attacks, civilian deaths, and home destructions as "despicable, unacceptable, and unjustifiable crimes" that hinder efforts to de-escalate and implement agreements concerning southern Lebanon. Aoun's visit aimed to demonstrate the state's presence in a Hezbollah-dominated area and convey to Israel and international mediators that Beirut seeks to establish its sovereignty in the south through the army and state mechanisms. Al-Hadath reported that Aoun also stated there are no new negotiations with Israel at this time.