Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on his country, saying they had caused civilian deaths and the destruction of homes and property. Aoun said the attacks were undermining efforts to reduce tensions in the south and the wider region.
Aoun said the attacks were targeting the implementation of the framework agreement. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin praised the reforms in Lebanon and said Beirut could always count on France.
Plan for a European force after UNIFIL
Aoun said on Monday, during a meeting with Darmanin, that Lebanon supports extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which operates in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese president said they were working with French President Emmanuel Macron to facilitate the renewal of the mandate.
Aoun also expressed support for a France- and Italy-led initiative to establish a European force aimed at preventing a security vacuum after UNIFIL’s withdrawal. France and Italy announced the initiative in June, in coordination with the European Union and the United Nations, with the aim of creating an international mechanism for the post-UNIFIL period.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had said that Rome could send troops to the international mission to be established after UNIFIL. Tajani stressed that such a deployment would require a multilateral agreement.
Meeting in Paris to support the Lebanese army
Aoun said he would travel to Paris next week and attend the opening of a preparatory meeting with Macron for an international conference to support the Lebanese army and the Internal Security Forces. The meeting is also expected to address the future of the international presence in southern Lebanon.
The European Union is planning a mission to provide advice and training to Lebanon’s armed forces, including on border and maritime security. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas had said the initiative would not replace UNIFIL and aimed to strengthen Lebanon’s capacity to provide its own security.
Framework agreement and toll of the attacks
Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement on June 26 under U.S. mediation, following negotiations in Washington. The agreement provides for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups in exchange for Israel’s gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.
UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978. The mission’s mandate is due to expire at the end of 2026, prompting discussions about security arrangements for the subsequent period.
According to data from Lebanon’s Health Ministry at the end of August, more than 4,000 people had been killed and more than 12,000 injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2.
