Lebanese President Joseph Aoun marked Independence Day on November 22 with a national address from South Lebanon, calling for a renewed commitment to state sovereignty and unity amid escalating regional tensions.

Speaking from a region he described as the "frontline of Lebanon’s struggle for independence," Aoun said, “Independence starts from the moment we face the truth. That is why I came to South Lebanon, a land that reflects Lebanon’s enduring history of resilience.” He emphasized that sovereignty cannot be partial and must include the liberation of “every inch of Lebanese territory.”

The president highlighted Lebanon’s long battle to secure its freedom, from the sacrifices of the country’s independence martyrs to the wars and political turmoil that followed. While honoring those who gave their lives for the nation, he warned that Lebanon is once again facing a decisive moment that could either strengthen or undermine its independence.

He also reflected on the decades of turmoil that followed Lebanon’s original independence, recalling how regional pressures and internal weakness led the country into “a succession of complex wars,” arguing that the post-war Taif Accords failed to restore full sovereignty, instead placing Lebanon under renewed foreign influence.

Although the end of the occupation provided another chance to rebuild its independence, he said Lebanon once again became a battleground for competing regional powers seeking to shape its political direction.

Lebanon facing circumstances similar to its struggle for independence

The Lebanese president went on to warn that Lebanon now faces a moment strikingly similar to the circumstances that surrounded the country's early struggle for independence, marked by shifting regional dynamics and heightened geopolitical tension.

He criticized opposing political mindsets within Lebanon: one that refuses to acknowledge the profound regional transformations, continuing to justify practices that undermine state sovereignty, and another that assumes a “whole community” in Lebanon has been politically erased by recent events. Both attitudes, he said, reflect “denial” and threaten the essence of independence, which must be rooted in a unified national identity and state authority.

“We do not take sides,” he said, stressing that reconciliation under the state must include every Lebanese citizen.

Aoun argued that Lebanon can no longer function under a “non-state situation", insisting that all political forces must operate within constitutional authority and place their loyalty solely in Lebanon. “It is no longer acceptable to encroach upon public rights, public property, public funds, or the public space,” he declared.

State authority contingent on 'Israel' halting its aggression

The Lebanese president pointed to recent diplomatic developments, including the adoption of the Gaza resolution by the UN Security Council and evolving relations with Syria, as opportunities for Lebanon to regain control of security decision-making. He pledged that the Lebanese Army stands ready to enforce state authority in the South, contingent on the cessation of Israeli aggression and a full withdrawal.

He called on international partners to help guarantee stability along Lebanon’s borders and support reconstruction efforts following the recent war, emphasizing that the state must have exclusive control over weapons.

The president also noted improving economic indicators and expressed confidence that Lebanon will not be sidelined as regional political dynamics shift. Highlighting an upcoming visit by Pope Leo XIV as a “historic national event,” he linked Lebanon’s future role to its identity as a nation built on peace, rights, and justice.

Lebanon prepared to negotiate an end to cross-border aggression

Aoun said his decision to deliver the speech from South Lebanon was deliberate, describing the location as symbolic of the country’s sovereignty struggle. He outlined a phased plan that he intends to present to international mediators, beginning with the Lebanese Army’s readiness to take control of positions currently under occupation along the southern border. This transition, he stressed, would coincide with an end to Israeli violations and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.

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The president added that Lebanon is prepared to negotiate, under US or international sponsorship, a permanent agreement that would end cross-border aggression and secure long-term stability. He called on friendly nations to assist throughout the process by supporting reconstruction efforts, reinforcing the state’s exclusive authority over arms, and ensuring that only the Lebanese Army operates south of the Litani River.

Aoun emphasized that the initiative is being shared openly with the world, asserting, "Lebanon is ready and fully committed."

Aoun concluded by urging national unity and a renewed commitment to independence. “Today marks a new chapter in the history of Lebanon, one that begins with independence but ends only when the nation regains full sovereignty, guarantees a dignified life for all its citizens, and builds a state dedicated to upholding rights and serving justice.”

Aoun calls the international community to pressure 'Israel'

Earlier in the day, during a meeting on Friday with Kaisa Olongren, the European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need for the international community to exert pressure on "Israel" to stop its attacks on Lebanon.

Aoun stressed that the international community, particularly the EU, must hold "Israel" accountable and ensure it adheres to the ceasefire agreement in place.

He also reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the government’s decision to monopolize arms and highlighted the importance of strengthening the Lebanese army, noting that “ensuring Lebanon’s security is also in Europe’s interest.”

The president welcomed any support from the EU, especially in light of the planned withdrawal of UNIFIL forces in 2027, emphasizing that reforms are a Lebanese priority before being an international one. He also reiterated his clear stance on holding parliamentary elections on schedule.

In response, Olongren assured that the European Union remains committed to supporting Lebanon across all sectors, particularly in development and social programs.

Aoun visits South Litani command

On the eve of Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day, President Joseph Aoun visited the South Litani Sector Command at the Benoît Barakat barracks in Tyre. He was received by Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, South Litani Sector Commander Brigadier General Nicolas Tabet, and senior military officers.

Following a ceremonial salute by the honor guard and the playing of the national anthem, President Aoun and General Haykal were briefed on the security situation in the sector at the Sector Commander’s office.

The visit continued in the operations room, where General Haykal welcomed the president, noting that the inspection coincided with Lebanon’s Independence Day. He praised President Aoun’s visit as a demonstration of unwavering support for the Lebanese Army and his commitment to checking on both the troops and local communities. General Haykal reaffirmed the army’s dedication to protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and civil peace.

Colonel Rashad Bou Karam, head of operations for the South Litani sector, gave a detailed presentation with maps and figures outlining current operations. He highlighted efforts to clear ammunition, seize weapons and caches, and enforce the government’s policy to monopolize arms to the state. The briefing also covered army deployments across designated locations, checkpoints, patrols, and newly established posts along the border to ensure security and stability.

President Aoun reviewed maps and images showing areas where Israeli forces had crossed the Blue Line and constructed structures extending beyond the internationally recognized southern border.

Brigadier General Tabet summarized discussions from the recent Mechanism Committee meeting, emphasizing Lebanon’s firm stance on defending the state’s territorial rights and sovereignty.

Aoun commends the army for its role in the South

Addressing the officers, President Aoun congratulated them on Independence Day, noting that this year’s traditional celebrations would be limited due to the country’s current challenges.

"I came to the South today to affirm that this precious region is always in our hearts. The army, which protects both the South and all of Lebanon, remains steadfast in defending our national dignity, sovereignty, and independence, upholding these principles with every sacrifice, undeterred by campaigns of defamation, skepticism, or provocation," he stated.

رئيس الجمهورية في الجنوب اللبناني عشيّة الاستقلال.

الرئيس جوزاف عون:
- الجيش الذي يحمي الجنوبيين كما جميع اللبنانيين ثابت في مواقفه والتزامه في الدفاع عن الكرامة الوطنية والسيادة والاستقلال.
- الجيش يقدم وفاء لمبادئه الشهيد تلو الاخر غير آبه بما يتعرض له أحيانا من حملات التجريح… pic.twitter.com/pAbUEOsv3b

, Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) November 21, 2025

He commended the army’s distinguished role in the South, particularly in the South Litani sector, and paid tribute to the 12 fallen soldiers since the security plan’s implementation.

At the conclusion of the visit, President Aoun congratulated Army Commander General Haykal on Independence Day, praising the ongoing efforts of him and his team to enable the army to perform its duties with dedication and sincerity.

He expressed hope that by next year’s Independence Day, the South would be fully liberated, with the Lebanese flag flying alone along its borders as a symbol of sovereignty and national pride.