BEIRUT: Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, on Friday reaffirmed that responsibility for the protection of southern Lebanon rests solely with the Lebanese army.
He was speaking during a visit to Benoit Barakat Barracks in Tyre, the army’s headquarters in the Southern Litani Sector, ahead of what he described as a “very important” announcement scheduled for Friday evening, the night before Lebanon’s Independence Day.
“The army, which protects southerners as well as all Lebanese, remains steadfast in its positions and commitment to defending national dignity, sovereignty and independence,” he said.
Aoun commended the army’s role south of the Litani River in implementing the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, and honored “the memory of the 12 martyred soldiers who have been killed since the implementation of the security plan to establish a state monopoly over weapons.”
He stressed that the army is “undeterred by the smear campaigns, doubts and incitement to which it is sometimes subjected.”
The visit followed a diplomatic setback this week when the Trump administration in Washington canceled scheduled meetings in the US with the army commander, Gen. Rudolph Haikal, following criticism by several members of Congress of the Lebanese army’s performance so far in its efforts to confront Hezbollah.
Aoun, accompanied by Haikal, met Brig. Gen. Nicolas Tabet, the sector commander, and other senior officers at the barracks. The president was given a comprehensive briefing on the security situation in the south of the country, where army operations continue. He reviewed maps and images showing areas in which Israeli forces have crossed the Blue Line separating Lebanon from Israel during construction of a wall that extends beyond internationally recognized borders, violations that have been documented and reported by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
Col. Rashad Bou Karroum, the head of operations in the Southern Litani Sector, provided an overview of the army’s progress in the region, including deployments at permanent and temporary checkpoints, newly established border positions, and ongoing patrols designed to maintain security and stability.
Tabet briefed Auon on “discussions held during the most recent meeting of the Mechanism Committee” that monitors the truce between Israel and Lebanon, and reiterated “Lebanon’s firm position in defending the rights of the Lebanese state and its sovereignty over its territory,” the president’s office said.
Aoun’s visit took place on the eve of the 82nd anniversary of Lebanon’s independence. Authorities this year decided not to hold the traditional military parade to mark the occasion, and canceled a customary reception at the Presidential Palace “due to the circumstances the country is going through.”
The president was due to deliver a televised speech to the Lebanese people on Friday evening believed to include a “very important message.” Aoun was expected to explain the current situation in the country, reaffirm his commitment to negotiations with Israel, which he has described as “a firm and serious position,” and call on the international community to support Lebanon’s efforts.
He was also expected to reiterate Lebanon’s commitment to establishing a state monopoly on control of weapons, and the extension of the authority of the state as the sole governing force across all Lebanese territory.
It was anticipated that he would attempt to reassure the public that “the state belongs to all and protects all, with the aim of establishing a final homeland that unites the Lebanese under its banner, despite all the turning points and challenges they have experienced over the decades.”
Haikal, the army commander, delivered his own Independence Day message to the military, stating: “Today, Lebanon is going through one of the most critical periods in its history, in light of the continued Israeli occupation of part of its territory and the attacks that have caused fatalities and injuries, hindered the completion of the army’s deployment, and resulted in the destruction of property.”
Despite limited resources and the ongoing economic crisis in the country, he stressed that “the military institution has made significant efforts since the ceasefire agreement came into effect to reinforce its deployment south of the Litani River and to extend state authority,” in line with the decisions of the Lebanese government and the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while working in coordination with UNIFIL and the Mechanism Committee.
Resolution 1701 was adopted by the Security Council in 2006 with the aim of resolving the conflict that year between Israel and Hezbollah.
The army, having “made immense sacrifices to uphold Lebanon’s right to sovereignty over every inch of its land, continues to support the return of displaced persons to their villages in the southern region,” Haikal added.
“Trust in the military institution and internal unity are vital to overcome this difficult period,” he said as he called for more resources and improved conditions for military personnel. He stressed that “exceptional circumstances require wisdom, professionalism and firmness, away from any political considerations.”
Haikal reiterated that the army will continue its multifaceted mission to combat terrorism, counter drug trafficking, control borders, prevent smuggling and pursue those who violate security, and will do so in coordination with Syrian authorities while also strengthening its own military capabilities through cooperation with allies and friendly nations.
Hezbollah, in its own statement for Independence Day, called for “all possible and immediate efforts to compel the Israeli enemy to implement the ceasefire agreement and Resolution 1701.”
It urged “guarantor states to pressure it (Israel) to cease its attacks, which continue to target civilians, to end the Israeli occupation, and to prevent its expansion and threat to Lebanon’s security and sovereignty.”
