Aoun: Israel Violates Agreement as Lebanese Army Carries Out Its Mission
9/3/2026 12:04:23 PM
President Joseph Aoun held talks with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma on the political and security situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral ties and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Aoun accused Israel of continuing to violate the framework agreement reached during Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington, citing ongoing attacks, the destruction of southern villages under Israeli occupation, and the demolition of homes and property.
Aoun said the Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its responsibilities in the areas where it has redeployed, rejecting any claims to the contrary as attempts to undermine the army and cast doubt on its role and commitment to the decisions of the political authorities.
He stressed that the reconstruction of southern Lebanon is the responsibility of the Lebanese state, but said it cannot move forward as long as the Israeli occupation continues.
Aoun also reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south, citing the important role it plays. Should an extension of its mandate prove impossible, he said Lebanon would welcome any friendly or allied country willing to continue UNIFIL’s work, particularly by supporting the Lebanese Army and southern residents in humanitarian, social, healthcare and education services.
He added that contacts are underway to establish the necessary legal framework for such an international presence.
For his part, Sjoerdsma said the Netherlands stands in solidarity with Lebanon and the Lebanese people during the difficult circumstances they are facing.
The Dutch minister said his visit to Nabatieh on Wednesday had given him a firsthand view of the suffering of local residents and the devastating impact of the war on their lives and communities.
During the meeting, Aoun accused Israel of continuing to violate the framework agreement reached during Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington, citing ongoing attacks, the destruction of southern villages under Israeli occupation, and the demolition of homes and property.
Aoun said the Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its responsibilities in the areas where it has redeployed, rejecting any claims to the contrary as attempts to undermine the army and cast doubt on its role and commitment to the decisions of the political authorities.
He stressed that the reconstruction of southern Lebanon is the responsibility of the Lebanese state, but said it cannot move forward as long as the Israeli occupation continues.
Aoun also reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south, citing the important role it plays. Should an extension of its mandate prove impossible, he said Lebanon would welcome any friendly or allied country willing to continue UNIFIL’s work, particularly by supporting the Lebanese Army and southern residents in humanitarian, social, healthcare and education services.
He added that contacts are underway to establish the necessary legal framework for such an international presence.
For his part, Sjoerdsma said the Netherlands stands in solidarity with Lebanon and the Lebanese people during the difficult circumstances they are facing.
The Dutch minister said his visit to Nabatieh on Wednesday had given him a firsthand view of the suffering of local residents and the devastating impact of the war on their lives and communities.