Lebanese President Joseph Aoun convened with Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal on Tuesday to deliberate the military’s responsibilities following a US-mediated framework agreement intended to resolve the conflict with Israel.
During the meeting, Haykal updated Aoun on his recent diplomatic visits to Türkiye and the United Kingdom, where he engaged with officials on enhancing military cooperation.
In a significant development, the meeting came after Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement on Friday. This accord outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories, starting with two unspecified areas.
Notably, the agreement does not specify a timeline for the Israeli withdrawal. It stipulates that Israeli troops will retreat as the Lebanese army assumes control of the vacated zones and as non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, are disarmed.
Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, deeming it unacceptable and opposing the condition linking Israeli withdrawal to its own disarmament.
Meanwhile, President Aoun expressed strong support for the Lebanese military, commending its role in extending state authority, safeguarding security, protecting borders, and maintaining civil order. He emphasized that criticism directed at the army would neither hinder its operations nor diminish public confidence in the institution.
Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli military actions since March 2 have resulted in 4,257 fatalities, 12,196 injuries, and the displacement of over one million people.
Israeli forces continue to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, including territories held for years and those seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. The military has reportedly advanced up to 10 kilometers into Lebanese land.
