BEIRUT 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need for Israel to end its occupation of the remaining border posts in southern Lebanon, during a phone call with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on Wednesday.


According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun told Waltz that it is “essential to end the Israeli occupation of the remaining posts” in southern Lebanon, “implement Security Council Resolution 1701,” and “complete the ceasefire agreement to ensure stability in the south.”


Adopted in 2006, UN Resolution 1701 mandates a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and establishes a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line, a de facto border, and the Litani River, with exceptions for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL peacekeeping forces.


The Israeli army had withdrawn on Tuesday from the villages and towns it occupied in southern Lebanon during the recent war. However, Israeli forces remain stationed at five points along the border inside Lebanese territory.


Israel was initially expected to complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, in line with the ceasefire agreement, but requested an extension until Feb. 18.


Aoun also reiterated to Waltz the urgency of securing the release of Lebanese detained by Israel.


On Oct. 22, 2023, a Hezbollah official confirmed the presence of “prisoners” from the group in Israeli custody, though he did not specify the number.


For his part, Waltz assured Aoun that the US government is closely monitoring developments in southern Lebanon following the partial Israeli withdrawal and continued occupation of border points. He praised the role of the Lebanese Army in securing positions previously vacated by Israeli forces.


The US national security adviser also reaffirmed the US commitment to Lebanon, emphasizing efforts to solidify the ceasefire and resolve outstanding issues through diplomatic means.


He highlighted the importance of strengthening Lebanese-American partnerships across various sectors.


A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since Nov. 27, ending months of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict last September.


Despite this, Israel has violated the agreement nearly 1,000 times, killing at least 79 people and injuring 276, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.


Israel launched its military campaign against Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, escalating into full-scale war on Sept. 23. The conflict has resulted in 4,109 deaths and 16,899 injuries, including many women and children, and has displaced approximately 1.4 million people.