Lebanese President Seeks International Support for Army, Demands Israeli Compliance

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, speaking at an international meeting in Paris on Thursday, declared that Lebanon is "beginning to translate the state option into reality" and urged international partners to support its military and security institutions through long-term partnerships. The gathering, held at Les Invalides, aimed to prepare for an international conference to support the Lebanese army and internal security forces under the "Aqaba Initiative." French President Emmanuel Macron, Jordanian King Abdullah II, and representatives from the U.S., Arab, and European nations were in attendance.

Aoun emphasized that the Lebanese will to build a state is receiving unprecedented regional and international backing, calling for this opportunity to be seized to set Lebanon on a new path toward a strong state with effective institutions, rather than merely managing crises. He asserted that the Lebanese army is the "fundamental pillar for protecting Lebanon's sovereignty" and that the choice of a strong state is a Lebanese interest, not an imposed international demand. The army, he noted, is undertaking increasing responsibilities in the south, including bolstering state presence, maintaining stability, and combating smuggling, terrorism, and organized crime.

Addressing the anticipated changes in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s presence and role in the south, Aoun called for an organized transition to avoid a security vacuum. UNIFIL's mandate concludes at the end of 2026, having been deployed in 1978 to monitor a cessation of hostilities. Despite economic challenges, Lebanon's military and security institutions have maintained their cohesion and discipline, and Aoun called for enabling them to move "from resilience to capacity building," stressing that while support is primarily a Lebanese responsibility, international backing is also needed for long-term planning.

Regarding the situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun stated that the "tripartite framework formula" agreed upon with Israel, brokered by the U.S. and supported by Arab and European nations, aims to end the war and usher in a new era of security and stability. He stressed that agreements require respect and implementation, noting Lebanon's commitment while demanding Israel fulfill its obligations. Aoun argued that stability cannot be achieved amidst ongoing Israeli attacks, violations, and occupation of Lebanese territory, referencing a U.S.-brokered framework signed on June 26th for gradual Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment.

French President Macron affirmed the importance of extending Lebanese state authority over its entire territory and sees an opportunity to restore security. He pledged to contact U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure Israel respects the agreement, including its gradual withdrawal and the Lebanese state assuming control. Macron highlighted the necessity of empowering the Lebanese army, particularly by supporting its capabilities, to replace the Israeli presence in the south, stating that international forces should support, not replace, the Lebanese army.

Jordanian King Abdullah II echoed this sentiment, calling the army the "cornerstone of Lebanon's security and stability" and advocating for enhanced capabilities, including spare parts, anti-drone support, and air surveillance, while emphasizing the importance of consolidating arms within the Lebanese state. The meeting included representatives from the U.S., Canada, Arab nations, the EU, and international institutions, along with Lebanese military and security officials.