Lebanese President defends Israel accord, vows Lebanese Army control over sovereign land

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defends the US-mediated framework with Israel, asserting it empowers the domestic army despite fierce pushback from Hezbollah.   

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated Friday that the recently signed framework agreement with Israel does not validate Israeli military presence on Lebanese land, but rather establishes a mechanism for the Lebanese military to assert its jurisdiction across the country. Aoun delivered his remarks during a meeting at the presidency with representatives from the Association of Lebanese Universities, the Lebanese Order of Physicians, and the Lebanese Maronite Order. His remarks were quoted by the Anadolu news agency   

During the session, Aoun emphasized the nation's independence from outside actors, directly addressing domestic critics of the diplomatic strategy. "Our sovereign decision to separate our track from the Iranian-US track is a problem for some who have become accustomed to being under guardianship that controls us, decides for us and negotiates on our behalf," Aoun said."

The framework formula does not legitimize the continued Israeli occupation of Lebanon, but provides for empowering the Lebanese army to extend its control over all Lebanese territory," he added. The agreement has come under fire from opponents of Aoun, and particularly the Hezbollah terrorist organization which has a strong political presence in Lebanon in addition to its armed terrorist wing. (Ed note: President Aoun is just blowing smoke. Both the Lebanese government and the Lebanese military have been highly infiltrated and really don't have the the power to free themselves from the grip of Hezbollah. Their easy way out is to try and make Israel leave Lebanon.)  (Read More)