Lebanese president urges continued international presence in south Lebanon during 2027, warns of security vacuum

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged the continued presence of international forces in southern Lebanon during 2027, or for an alternative arrangement to prevent a security vacuum following their scheduled withdrawal. Aoun welcomed any French initiative at the United Nations and Security Council to support this approach, emphasizing the ongoing Israeli occupation and tensions in the south that prevent the Lebanese Army from deploying to the southern international border as per UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barou expressed France's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, and security, and its commitment to fully implementing the ceasefire agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

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