Lebanon’s newly-elected President Joseph Aoun has reiterated his nation’s firm stance that Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline, in line with the ceasefire agreement brokered on November 27. His remarks came during a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Beirut, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, which ended a two-month war last year.
President Aoun condemned Israel’s continued violations of Lebanese territory, stating, “Israel’s actions, including land and air violations, and destruction of homes, flagrantly contradict the ceasefire terms.” He reaffirmed the Lebanese government’s commitment to deploying the army, alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers, to secure the region as Israel withdraws.
The agreement also requires Hezbollah to relocate its forces north of the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometers from the border, and dismantle its remaining military presence in southern Lebanon. However, tensions persist as Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire hundreds of times and cautioned against testing the group’s patience.
Speaking in a televised address, Qassem urged the Lebanese state to take a firmer stance. “We have shown restraint to allow the state and international sponsors to manage this agreement, but our patience is not limitless,” he warned.
UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed optimism after his discussions with Lebanese leaders, including Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, emphasizing the need to implement the ceasefire terms fully. “This agreement is an opportunity to foster peace and stability in the region,” Guterres stated.
Hezbollah’s weakened position after last year’s war facilitated Lebanon’s deeply divided political factions to elect Aoun as president, ending a prolonged political deadlock. However, Qassem credited Hezbollah and its ally Amal for achieving this consensus and warned against sidelining them in Lebanese politics.
The international community has amplified calls for compliance with the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Lebanon, stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of the agreement. Macron’s remarks came as Guterres revealed UNIFIL’s discovery of over 100 weapons caches linked to Hezbollah and other armed groups.
As the January 26 deadline approaches, all eyes are on southern Lebanon, with hopes that the region may finally enter a new chapter of peace and stability.
