UN Security Council delegation visits Lebanon’s President Aoun and tours southern region amid rising tensions with Israel.
Tensions in Lebanon remain high as President Joseph Aoun engages with a visiting United Nations Security Council delegation to address ongoing hostilities with Israel and the challenge of disarming Hezbollah. This critical dialogue comes amid escalating military actions by Israel, underscoring the intricate balance Lebanon must maintain in its relations with Israel while prioritizing national sovereignty and security. As Lebanon navigates these turbulent waters, the potential for lasting peace remains uncertain but crucial for regional stability.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun convened with a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation in Baabda to address the rising tensions with Israel and the ongoing efforts to disarm Hezbollah. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), this meeting transpired just a day after a series of significant Israeli military raids targeted southern Lebanon, highlighting the volatile security situation in the region.
During discussions on Friday, Aoun urged the UNSC to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to the November 2024 ceasefire agreement that has frequently been violated. He emphasized the need for Israel to withdraw from the territories it occupies in southern Lebanon, seeking international support to uphold the terms of this ceasefire.
Aoun also indicated that the UNSC delegation would meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and the commander of the Lebanese Army, Rodolphe Haykal. They plan to visit southern Lebanon to gain firsthand insight into the deteriorating conditions exacerbated by Israeli actions, as the Lebanese army implements a strategy aimed at restricting Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
This UNSC visit coincides with tentative movements towards deeper engagement between Lebanon and Israel, both of which have been in a state of conflict since 1948. Recently, civilian representatives from both nations conducted direct talks for the first time in decades, an initiative welcomed by the United States as a step towards fostering mutual security and a durable peace settlement.
While Salam described the talks as “positive,” he advised caution, stating they primarily focused on reestablishing the terms of the ceasefire rather than leading to normalization in relations. Meanwhile, recent Israeli military operations in four villages of southern Lebanon have raised alarm, claiming to target Hezbollah infrastructure. These operations, however, have resulted in civilian casualties and considerable damage to vital infrastructure, intensifying the urgency of dialogue.
Aoun’s Information Minister, Paul Morcos, articulated the government’s stance on negotiations with Israel, underscoring them as the only practical course forward. He affirmed the need for diplomacy over military action, emphasizing that Lebanon would not compromise its sovereignty in the process.
The November 2024 ceasefire stipulated a cessation of hostilities, requiring Lebanon to prevent armed attacks on Israel while obligating Israel to cease offensive military operations. However, Israeli forces continue to occupy multiple positions within Lebanese territory and have not complied with the ceasefire’s mandates, further complicating the security landscape and civil order in Lebanon, where the UN reports over 300 deaths resulting from these conflicts since the ceasefire.
As the situation evolves, Hezbollah, led by Naim Qassem, has firmly rejected disarmament considering the ongoing Israeli aggression and occupation. Qassem has declared the group’s right to retort against Israeli actions, particularly in response to the recent assassination of a prominent military figure linked to Hezbollah.
Overall, as Lebanon grapples with internal and external pressures, the pursuit of dialogue, stability, and a comprehensive peace remains imperative for securing a harmonious future in the region.
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