President Aoun Calls on US Military to Urge Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanese Territory

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appealed to a senior U.S. military delegation to pressure Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territories it continues to occupy and to secure the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israeli forces.

The request was made during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Baabda with Major General Jasper Jeffers, outgoing Co-Chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism, and his successor, Major General Michael J. Leeney.

President Aoun reaffirmed the Lebanese Army’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and enforcing security along the southern border. He stated that Lebanese forces are actively working to prevent the presence of unauthorized armed groups and have recently seized multiple illegal weapons near the Israeli frontier.

A statement from the presidency confirmed the official transition between the U.S. officers, with Maj. Gen. Leeney assuming responsibilities from Maj. Gen. Jeffers, who played a key role during and after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict that ended in November 2024.

During the discussion, Aoun stressed the need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese land and underscores respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

The meeting concluded with mutual agreement on enhancing coordination to support ongoing ceasefire mechanisms and regional stability. Aoun expressed appreciation for the United States’ role in maintaining dialogue and called for continued U.S. support in advancing Lebanon’s national interests and sovereignty.