'Israel' must withdraw from 5 points, state to monopolize arms: Aoun
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The Lebanese President stresses the importance of the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, while noting that the Lebanese state is set to monopolize arms.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during a meeting with a delegation of French Senators, Baabda, Lebanon, April 28, 2025 (X/ @LBPresidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed on Monday the need for Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, further emphasizing the importance of state monopoly on arms, anti-corruption reforms, and timely elections.
While meeting a delegation from the French Senate, Aoun said that an Israeli withdrawal from the five points in South Lebanon is essential to expedite the full deployment of the Lebanese army along the border, ensuring the state assumes sole responsibility for border security.
Aoun noted that the Lebanese army is "fully deployed along the northeastern border, carrying out its duties effectively: combating terrorism, preventing smuggling, and maintaining internal security."
الرئيس عون لوفد من مجلس الشيوخ الفرنسي:
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) April 28, 2025
- الانسحاب الإسرائيلي من التلال الخمس يشكّل ضرورة للإسراع في استكمال انتشار الجيش حتى الحدود، بحيث تتولى الدولة وحدها مسؤولية أمن الحدود
- الجيش اللبناني منتشر على الحدود الشمالية الشرقية، ويقوم بواجباته كاملةً، ويتولى أيضًا مكافحة… pic.twitter.com/rUoxvwO1Bn
Aoun emphasized that the decision to consolidate arms under the Lebanese state's authority had been finalized, while firmly rejecting any discourse on return to war, further emphasizing that Lebanon had already initiated essential reforms which would be fully implemented, as they represented a vital national imperative rather than merely responding to international pressures.
He further remarked that prioritizing anti-corruption efforts "forms a core part of the reforms, aimed at serving citizens and strengthening public order."
On the topic of relations with Syria, Aoun announced that Lebanon and Syria will establish joint committees to resolve outstanding matters, such as defining their land and maritime boundaries and addressing the status of Syrian migrants in Lebanon who are seeking economic opportunities.
Aoun concluded by saying, "Everything Lebanon is doing and working toward aims to build a strong state and rebuild confidence in it, both domestically and internationally."
'Israel' continues to violate ceasefire in Lebanon
The Israeli occupation forces announced on February 18 that they would remain stationed at five "strategic points" inside Lebanese territory beyond the deadline for troop withdrawal.
"Based on the current situation, we will leave small amounts of troops deployed temporarily in five strategic points along the border in Lebanon so we can continue to defend our residents and to make sure there's no immediate threat," Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists on February 17.
Since then, "Israel" has continually violated the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, launching airstrikes on numerous locations throughout Lebanese territories.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported on April 15 that Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 71 civilians in Lebanon since the November 27 ceasefire took effect, including 14 women and 9 children.
Most recently, the Israeli occupation targeted a hangar located in the al-Jamous area of Beirut's Southern Suburb, in a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty, with the targeted warehouse lying at the heart of a densely populated residential and vital area, adjacent to two schools and surrounded by residential buildings.
