Lebanese President: Framework Agreement with Israel Does Not Legitimise Occupation

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said the framework agreement signed with Israel does not legitimise the continued Israeli occupation of Lebanon. He stressed that the deal instead aims to empower the Lebanese army to extend its authority over the entire country.

Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Lebanese University Association and the Maronite Order, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency on Friday.

“The framework agreement does not legitimise the continued Israeli occupation of Lebanon, but rather aims to empower the Lebanese army to extend its authority over all Lebanese territory,” Aoun said. He added that no one doubts the role of the Lebanese military.

According to Aoun, the military will fully carry out its responsibilities in achieving security and stability in the southern region after Israeli forces withdraw. However, the agreement does not set a clear timetable for a full Israeli pull-out. The next stages are linked to the readiness of the Lebanese army to take over security responsibilities and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah.

The Lebanese government has described the agreement as a “first step” towards restoring the state’s sovereignty over its entire territory and enabling displaced residents to return to their homes. The Lebanese Health Ministry has recorded at least 4,298 deaths and 12,196 injuries from Israeli attacks since March last year. Israel has occupied parts of southern Lebanon for years and advanced further into Lebanese territory during the 2023-2024 conflict.