Lebanese President Seeks Greek Aid Amid Israeli Arms Deal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appealed to Greece for assistance in implementing a framework agreement with Israel and in renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This request comes shortly after Greece and Israel announced a $3.5 billion air defense deal.

The framework agreement, signed in late June, calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the region, starting with "pilot areas."

President Aoun emphasized that military solutions would not succeed, stating, "We ask for Greece's help as much as possible to assist Lebanon." He noted that Israeli attacks since the start of the current conflict have resulted in over 4,300 deaths and 12,000 injuries in Lebanon, with dozens of villages destroyed.

The Lebanese president also expressed hope for Greek support on the international stage, including at the United Nations, to renew UNIFIL's mandate, which expires at the end of the year. This renewal faces significant opposition from the United States and Israel.