Joseph Aoun asks Greece to help ensure Israel implements Lebanon deal in full

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged Greece to assist in fully implementing a US-mediated agreement with Israel aimed at halting hostilities. During a meeting with Greek President Constantine Tassoulas in Athens, Aoun emphasized that the framework must be adhered to by both parties, not selectively. He requested Greece's assistance to aid Lebanon in ending Israel's occupation of the south and the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, an armed group based in Lebanon.

Aoun expressed gratitude for Greece's support, particularly in light of the recent signing of a multibillion-dollar arms deal, marking the largest defense agreement between the two nations to date. This deal includes the delivery of the "Achilles Shield" air-defense system to Greece by Israel. Despite signing the framework agreement in June, Lebanon and Israel have failed to resolve the conflict, with Israel continuing to demolish villages within the buffer zone, which occupies about 7% of Lebanon.

The deal remains contentious as Hezbollah has rejected it due to the lack of a timeline for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon. Aoun stressed that the agreement cannot be implemented unilaterally and called for joint efforts from both sides to achieve peace. He highlighted the deep historical and Mediterranean ties between Greece and Lebanon, emphasizing mutual support for peaceful solutions and adherence to international law.

The Greek military aid arriving in Beirut and the signing of this significant arms deal demonstrate the strength of bilateral relations between the two nations.