Aoun, Lammy discuss Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Army efforts
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun calls on the UK to back UNIFIL’s mission extension and presses for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, while reaffirming military and economic reforms.
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy shakes hands with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during a meeting in Baabda Palace, Lebanon, July 5, 2025 (Social Media)
Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun stressed the importance of continued British support for Lebanon in international forums during his meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Baabda Presidential Palace.
He specifically emphasized backing in the UN Security Council to help extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), citing heightened regional tensions and ongoing Israeli violations.
Aoun reaffirmed that the Lebanese Army is committed to maintaining security south of the Litani River and reiterated the demand for "Israel" to withdraw from the occupied Five Hills area, further underscoring the necessity of keeping UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon to implement UN Resolution 1701. He stressed that current geopolitical conditions make sustained international support crucial.
The Lebanese Army has already deployed in the area south of the Litani River, excluding zones still occupied by "Israel", particularly the Five Hills. Aoun called on the international community to pressure for "Israel's" withdrawal in accordance with the November agreement.
Aoun also revealed that the army’s presence in the south will reach 10,000 troops, asserting that no armed groups operate there besides the Lebanese Army, internal security forces, and UNIFIL.
The president pointed out that the ongoing occupation of the hills, the failure to release Lebanese detainees, and persistent Israeli aggressions hinder the state’s efforts to fully enforce its sovereignty and implement national decisions.
Military, reforms, and UK support
President Aoun expressed gratitude to the UK for its support of the Lebanese Army, especially through the provision of watchtowers. He affirmed Lebanon’s openness to any assistance that would help reinforce stability.
He also informed Lammy that the Lebanese government continues to pursue financial and economic reforms, including amending the banking secrecy law and preparing legislation to regulate the banking sector and address the financial gap.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in turn, affirmed the strength of UK-Lebanon bilateral ties and reiterated his country’s commitment to continued support for Lebanon, particularly in the military sphere.
Lammy's visit came as part of a regional tour that started in Syria in efforts to restore ties with the new regime in Damascus, largely drawn from factions classified as terrorist organizations like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), consolidate power across administrative, military, and security lines. HTS, a group with well-documented links to al-Qaeda, has been linked to widespread atrocities, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and the persecution of minority communities such as the Druze, Alawites, Kurds, and Christians.
Today in Damascus I met with President Al-Sharaa and FM @AsaadHShaibani. I welcomed progress made and stressed the need for an inclusive and representative political transition.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 5, 2025
The UK stands ready to support the new Syrian Government. pic.twitter.com/uKGDwIcJdT
