Baabda: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that Israel's full withdrawal from the occupied territories and the release of Lebanese prisoners are prerequisites for achieving stability along the southern border.
According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun received US Senator Ronny Jackson at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, in the presence of American Ambassador Lisa Johnson. During the meeting, Aoun emphasized that stability in the south and along the borders requires the withdrawal of the Israelis from the hilltops where they were stationed and the return of the Lebanese prisoners who were detained during the last war. He stated that this Lebanese position is firm and final.
Aoun reiterated that by continuing to occupy the hilltops, Israel violates the agreement, stressing that the countries sponsoring the agreement, particularly the United States, must pressure Israel to fully comply. For his part, Senator Jackson began the meeting by congratulating President Aoun on his election, expressing his intent to work with US President Donald Trump and fellow senators and representatives to provide the necessary support to the Lebanese army.
Jackson conveyed a desire for Lebanon and the entire Middle East to enter a new era of peace and prosperity, adding that efforts would continue to mediate between Lebanese and Israeli leaderships. He emphasized the importance of redrawing the border, ensuring Lebanon has full control and security over it.
On Tuesday, the Israeli army withdrew from southern Lebanese towns but maintained a military presence at five border outposts. A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November 27, ending months of mutual shelling between Israel and the Hezbollah group that escalated into a full-scale conflict last September. Despite the ceasefire, Israel committed nearly 1,000 violations, resulting in deaths and injuries in Lebanon, including women and children.
Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Israel refused to comply.