Lebanon not informed of Israeli buffer zone intention in South: Aoun
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The Lebanese president urges UNIFIL mandate renewal and the full implementation of Resolution 1701 in a meeting with US Congressman Darin LaHood in Beirut.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with a US delegation headed by US Congressman Darin LaHood at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, August 23, 2025 (X/@LBPresidency)
Lebanon has not been officially notified of "Israel's" intention to establish a buffer zone in the south, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Saturday.
In a meeting the Lebanese president held with US Congressman Darin LaHood and attended by the US Ambassador to Beirut, Lisa Johnson, and an accompanying delegation, Aoun emphasized the critical importance of renewing the mandate for UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon until Resolution 1701 is implemented in its entirety, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they still occupy and the full deployment of the Lebanese army up to the internationally recognized border, a statement from the Lebanese presidency said.
President Aoun also affirmed that Lebanon is awaiting the Israeli response to the US proposal, which will be delivered by Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus.
The meeting also saw Congressman LaHood extend his congratulations to President Aoun following the Lebanese government's decision to consolidate arms exclusively in the hands of the state.
Divisions obstruct UNIFIL withdrawal proposal
Earlier today, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in New York reported that the official and final draft resolution on the UNIFIL in southern Lebanon has not yet been circulated for a vote ahead of the UN Security Council session scheduled for next Monday.
Our correspondent added that the Council’s agenda indicates closed consultations will be held instead of an open voting session, clarifying that this suggests the draft resolution is still under negotiation and subject to further discussion.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent also indicated that the Israeli occupation is exerting pressure to end UNIFIL’s presence in Lebanon, and that there is US support for terminating the mission over a period of six to twelve months.
In a related development, Axios reported, citing two sources, that the US plan regarding Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah involves the creation of an "economic zone for Trump in parts of southern Lebanon adjacent to the border" with occupied Palestine, in a manner that "addresses Israeli security concerns without resorting to occupation."
