Lebanese President Urges Trump to Pressure Israel on Southern Withdrawal

In an interview with the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed several critical issues, focusing on Lebanon's tense relations with Israel, internal challenges, and ties with the US and Iran. He criticized Israel for not fully withdrawing from Lebanese territory as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and France. Aoun emphasized that Israel should have retreated from all five points it occupies in southern Lebanon, calling their current presence militarily and strategically unnecessary in today’s technological era of drones and satellites.

Aoun revealed that Lebanon is coordinating with the US and France to pressure Israel into a complete withdrawal. He defended Lebanon’s decision to engage in direct negotiations with Israel despite domestic criticism, explaining that the talks were necessary to prevent further escalation and destruction, alleviate the suffering of displaced people, and begin reconstruction efforts. He stressed his commitment to building a state where decisions on war and peace rest solely with Lebanon’s official institutions.

The president reaffirmed Lebanon’s full commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and declared that no security or military partnerships with non-state actors would be tolerated. He insisted that only the Lebanese army has the authority to defend the country. Regarding territorial sovereignty, Aoun stated Lebanon will never relinquish any land and will work to restore full control to the Lebanese army.

Responding to rumors of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Aoun dismissed them as baseless. He also announced plans to visit Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, whom he described as the only actor capable of effectively pressuring Israel to avoid damaging Lebanese infrastructure or expanding occupied areas in the south.