Lebanese President Visits Southern Lebanon, Demands Israeli Troop Withdrawal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made an unannounced visit to southern Lebanon, vowing to secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. During his trip to Nabatieh, accompanied by security personnel and Lebanese Army Chief of Staff Rodolphe Haykal, Aoun met with local residents and visited a hospital still operating despite the dangerous conditions. He stated that the Lebanese government prioritizes the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the return of prisoners and displaced persons, and the reconstruction of southern Lebanon.

"We support you and are looking into how to provide all necessary services so you can remain here safely," read a statement from the president's administration. Following Nabatieh, Aoun visited Zawtar al-Gharbiya, an area affected by troop withdrawal agreements. There, he inspected Lebanese army units and observed nearby Israeli military positions.

The visit occurs amidst ongoing U.S.-mediated negotiations between Beirut and Jerusalem. A previously scheduled round of talks for the following week has been postponed until October. This marks Aoun's first visit to southern Lebanon since March, following a Hezbollah attack on Israel and subsequent Israeli military operations.

Aoun's administration emphasized the government's commitment to facilitating the return of displaced populations and rebuilding the southern regions. Earlier reports indicated Lebanon had postponed talks with Israel until October, with President Aoun discussing terms for peace and potential negotiation timelines.