President Joseph Aoun said Israel is violating the U.S.-brokered framework agreement through continued strikes, shelling and demolitions in the south.
President Joseph Aoun accused Israel on Thursday of violating the framework deal as Israeli forces intensified attacks around Ali al-Taher hill in southern Lebanon. Despite the U.S.-brokered agreement between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli strikes, artillery shelling and demolitions of civilian buildings have continued in southern villages and towns.
Israeli attacks have killed at least 8,920 people since hostilities erupted in October 2023. Aoun said the army is fully carrying out its duties in the pilot zones designated under the agreement.
Aoun said Lebanon cannot rebuild the south while Israeli forces remain in occupation. He said the country would welcome friendly nations willing to support reconstruction efforts and security operations once UNIFIL's mandate expires in December 2026.
Aoun said talks are underway to establish a legal framework for an international presence to succeed the U.N. peacekeeping force. France and Italy have expressed interest in setting up a multinational coalition, while the EU is planning to launch a mission to train the Lebanese army in the coming months, though it said it would not replace UNIFIL.
