South Lebanon village braces for UNIFIL exit after decades of peacekeeper presence

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the continuation of international forces in southern Lebanon through 2027 to avoid a security vacuum upon their withdrawal, or for an alternative arrangement to ensure ongoing international presence. During a meeting with a French ministerial delegation, Aoun welcomed French efforts at the United Nations and Security Council to support this initiative.

He highlighted the ongoing Israeli occupation and tensions in the region as hindrances to the Lebanese Army deploying to the southern border, as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Aoun condemned Israeli attacks on southern villages and towns, including home demolitions and land access restrictions, and noted that a Lebanese military delegation would attend a tripartite meeting in Tampa on October 20 to present demands for ending Israeli escalation.

He affirmed that the Lebanese Army and security forces are taking measures to extend state authority, prevent armed displays, and confiscate weapons, adding that violators will face legal consequences. Aoun stressed the importance of strengthening the Lebanese Army and security forces to fulfill their responsibilities. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barou reaffirmed 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.

Barou emphasized the importance of establishing a new international framework to bolster Lebanon's sovereignty and redeploy the Lebanese Armed Forces, while pledging France's readiness to support essential reforms and address urgent humanitarian needs in the country.