Lebanese Army is always with you wherever you are: Lebanese President
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As southerners returned to their border villages after the 60-day deadline and were met with Israeli violence, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, "I share your joy and victory, and call for self-restraint and trust in the Lebanese Army."
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Newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is sworn in as a new president, at the Lebanese Parliament, in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2025. (Lebanese Parliament media office via AP)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun commented Sunday morning on the return of residents to southern Lebanon's border villages, marking the end of the 60-day deadline for the Israeli withdrawal. He stressed, “I join our people in the south in celebrating the victory of truth,” urging them to exercise self-restraint while trusting the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Aoun stressed that "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable," adding, "I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity."
The Lebanese President’s message to the people of southern Lebanon also read, "Today is a victory for Lebanon and the Lebanese people, a victory for truth, sovereignty, and national unity. As I share this immense joy with you, I urge you to exercise self-control and trust the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are committed to protecting our sovereignty and security, ensuring your safe return to your homes and towns."
He concluded his statement by affirming, "The Lebanese Army stands with you, wherever you are, and remains dedicated to safeguarding your security. Together, we will remain stronger and united under the banner of Lebanon."
Aoun's statement comes as the people of southern Lebanon returned to their border villages on Sunday morning, coinciding with the expiration of the 60-day deadline for "Israel’s" full withdrawal from Lebanese territories, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. This return took place despite the occupation’s failure to honor the withdrawal and its ongoing violations and bombings of the southern villages.
In a blatant violation of the agreement, a spokesperson for the occupation army warned people against moving and returning to their hometowns, while the southerners fearlessly flocked back to their homes.
Despite warnings from the occupation forces, the people of Kfar Kila remained resolute in their attempt to return to their town, crossing the boundaries set by the Lebanese army. In response, the occupation forces opened fire, injuring several residents as they tried to enter their town, with the latest report by the Ministry of Health announcing 11 martyrs and 83 injured across South Lebanon's border towns.
The residents of al-Khiam also returned to their town in convoys, defying the occupation forces' warnings.
Hundreds of southerners gathered at the entrances to their hometowns, eager to return as soon as the 60-day deadline expired. Despite their peaceful intent, occupation forces opened fire with machine guns, launching shells near the civilians as they crossed on foot into the towns of Houla and Mays al-Jabal.
