Lebanon Demands Israeli Withdrawal by January 26, Urged by UN Chief

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun demands Israel’s withdrawal by January 26, pending a UN resolution amid ongoing breaches of the ceasefire agreement. UN chief Antonio Guterres pledges support for Lebanon’s recovery and urges an expedited Israeli exit. International cooperation, including U.S. and French assistance, aims to bolster Lebanon’s military and governance amidst significant economic hardship.

President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon has called for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline established in last year’s ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. These remarks were made during his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has urged Israel to cease its occupation, pointing to ongoing violations that undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and international consensus.

Guterres has committed to assist in ensuring a secure withdrawal of Israeli forces by the deadline while expressing optimism for a stable future under President Aoun’s leadership. Aoun, who took office after a two-year political stalemate, supports the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) overseeing the ceasefire.

The situation in Lebanon remains dire with economic collapse and instability following years of conflict and Israeli military actions. Guterres emphasized the international community’s support for Lebanon’s recovery efforts during his visit, highlighting the importance of strengthening both the Lebanese army and security forces.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has echoed calls for an accelerated Israeli withdrawal and has reiterated the necessity of bolstering the Lebanese military. The U.S. has announced $117 million in security assistance aimed at both the Lebanese military and internal security, aligning with UN Resolution 1701.

Hezbollah’s leadership has voiced grievances about Israel’s frequent violations of the ceasefire, warning against testing their patience. The environment remains volatile, with rising tensions anticipated as the deadline approaches, drawing significant attention from the international community and its supporters.

The statements from President Aoun come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, influenced by a turbulent political and economic landscape in Lebanon and previous conflicts with Israel. The ceasefire established between Israel and Hezbollah is critical for maintaining regional peace, and its enforcement relies heavily on international support and cooperation from both local military forces and UN peacekeeping operations. The recent calls for withdrawal by Israel emphasize both the urgency of establishing a stable governance structure in Lebanon and the need for adherence to previous agreements by all involved parties.

In conclusion, the requests from President Aoun for Israel’s withdrawal by January 26 reflect broader tensions and the need for compliance with international agreements. The UN’s active role in facilitating this transition, alongside essential support from France and the United States, underscores the international community’s commitment to stabilizing Lebanon. The continued violations by Israel, as noted by Hezbollah’s leadership, may further escalate tensions unless addressed adequately by all parties involved.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com