Lebanon to Raise Israeli Escalation at Florida Talks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Saturday that a military delegation will participate in a trilateral meeting in Tampa, Florida, on October 20th. The delegation's objective is to demand an end to Israeli escalation and to align outcomes with the "Framework Agreement." Aoun made these remarks during a meeting with a French delegation led by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.

During the discussion on the situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun stated that Israel continues its "aggression" by bulldozing villages, destroying homes, and preventing farmers from accessing their land. He asserted that these actions violate the US-brokered "Framework Agreement" and maintain tension, hindering the Lebanese army's deployment to the international southern border as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Aoun also expressed Lebanon's desire for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to have its mandate extended beyond the end of the year, or at least for an international presence to remain in the south until 2027 to prevent a security vacuum. He welcomed any French efforts within the UN to achieve this goal.

Domestically, Aoun emphasized the army's role in enforcing government decisions, disarming militias, and bringing offenders to justice. He highlighted the need to strengthen the army and expressed hope for an upcoming international conference to support the military and internal security forces, following positive preliminary discussions in Paris.

French Minister Barrot affirmed France's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, and security. He reiterated France's commitment to fully implementing the June 2026 ceasefire agreement and Resolution 1701, stressing the need for a new international framework to support the Lebanese army's redeployment and avoid a dangerous security vacuum. France is prepared to play its part and assist with Lebanon's urgent humanitarian needs.