Lebanese president urges France to enforce Israel’s ceasefire compliance

BEIRUT/ISTANBUL

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the urgent need for ceasefire sponsors to compel Israel to adhere to the November agreement, warning that ongoing violations undermine their credibility and perpetuate hostilities.

Speaking during a meeting with French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian in Beirut on Wednesday, Aoun highlighted Israel’s continued attacks in violation of the ceasefire agreement, according to a presidency readout.

“Beyond that, Israel still occupies five hills and has not released Lebanese prisoners detained during the recent war,” he added.

The Lebanese president urged the agreement’s mediators – chiefly the US and France – to press Israel to abide by the agreement and ensure an end to hostilities.

The discussion between Aoun and Le Drian also touched on the Lebanese-Syrian border situation, the presidency said.

Aoun told Le Drian he looks forward to meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday to thank him for supporting Lebanon’s recovery and facilitating the Lebanese presidential election.

The French envoy arrived in Lebanon Tuesday for a two-day visit for talks with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

A fragile ceasefire had been in place in Lebanon since November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in September.

Lebanese authorities reported over 1,250 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including the deaths of 100 people and injuries to more than 330.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after it refused to comply. It still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.