Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans departed from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport after an official visit to Lebanon during which he met with President Joseph Aoun and Minister of Defence Michel Menassa, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
During his visit, Minister Brekelmans also inspected UNIFIL forces operating in South Lebanon and toured several southern villages heavily damaged by recent hostilities.
He was seen off at the airport by Brigadier General Georges El-Ghazi, representing Minister Mansi, and Brigadier General Jad Abi Rached, representing the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rudolf Haykal.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Minister Brekelmans said that his visit aimed to reinforce and expand bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Lebanon, particularly through direct support to the Lebanese Army in various fields, “especially in training and in helping it regain full strength across all borders, while restoring public confidence in the institution.”
He announced that the Netherlands had provided financial assistance amounting to USD 7.5 million to the Lebanese Army.
Commenting on the broader context of Lebanon’s situation, the minister stressed that “Lebanon also needs humanitarian support. It’s a wide-ranging effort, and we must ensure that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the cornerstone of any lasting peace agreement. Diplomatically, we continue to urge all parties to fully respect and act in accordance with the resolution.”
He further underlined the importance of economic growth and reform, calling on the international community to help Lebanon secure IMF support and implement necessary reforms to restore stability and development.
When asked about the process of disarming Hezbollah and the group’s reaction, Brekelmans said: “Of course, this will be a challenge. I’ve only been here for a day, so it’s difficult to assess. But what I’ve seen so far in the South shows progress. If the first phase is completed before the end of the year, that would be impressive. The next phases will be more difficult, and Israel’s adherence to the agreement will be crucial. As for Hezbollah, I do not trust them, but for now, progress is visible and gives some confidence moving forward.”
He described the memorandum as “a framework that sets foundations and paves the way forward. We do not sign such agreements with everyone, but only with partners we trust.”
Asked how the Netherlands could help limit violations in southern Lebanon, he replied: “It’s essential to demonstrate our support for the Lebanese Army not only in words but through tangible assistance. We also urge Israel to respect the agreement and allow the LAF sufficient time and space to carry out disarmament operations, ensuring a gradual transition toward stability. This is the path to peace, and our presence here underscores that commitment.”
He added that the Netherlands conveys this same message to Israel, the United States, European partners, and the broader international community, noting that while global attention is focused on Gaza and the peace plan there, “there remains a genuine opportunity to achieve stability here in South Lebanon, provided all sides remain committed.”
On the continuing Israeli violations, the minister said: “We see the attacks and incursions and the extent of Israel’s control in certain areas. While it’s hard to assess whether this marks an escalation, the overall framework still stands. The situation was far worse before. I saw evidence of past strikes and repeated fighting everywhere. In that sense, the framework remains in place.”
Clarifying his earlier remarks, Brekelmans said: “Even though violations occur daily, the official positions of all major parties indicate they are still operating within the framework of Resolution 1701. That does not mean there are no violations, but it does mean the framework has not collapsed.”
He concluded: “Our role is to encourage all parties to stay committed, ensure progress continues, and make that progress visible, because violations tend to draw all the attention, while positive steps often go unnoticed. Confidence in the framework depends on communicating these advances clearly. Despite challenges, there is genuine progress, and it’s crucial to sustain it, since there is no viable alternative.”
During his visit, Minister Brekelmans also inspected UNIFIL forces operating in South Lebanon and toured several southern villages heavily damaged by recent hostilities.
He was seen off at the airport by Brigadier General Georges El-Ghazi, representing Minister Mansi, and Brigadier General Jad Abi Rached, representing the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rudolf Haykal.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Minister Brekelmans said that his visit aimed to reinforce and expand bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Lebanon, particularly through direct support to the Lebanese Army in various fields, “especially in training and in helping it regain full strength across all borders, while restoring public confidence in the institution.”
He announced that the Netherlands had provided financial assistance amounting to USD 7.5 million to the Lebanese Army.
Commenting on the broader context of Lebanon’s situation, the minister stressed that “Lebanon also needs humanitarian support. It’s a wide-ranging effort, and we must ensure that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the cornerstone of any lasting peace agreement. Diplomatically, we continue to urge all parties to fully respect and act in accordance with the resolution.”
He further underlined the importance of economic growth and reform, calling on the international community to help Lebanon secure IMF support and implement necessary reforms to restore stability and development.
When asked about the process of disarming Hezbollah and the group’s reaction, Brekelmans said: “Of course, this will be a challenge. I’ve only been here for a day, so it’s difficult to assess. But what I’ve seen so far in the South shows progress. If the first phase is completed before the end of the year, that would be impressive. The next phases will be more difficult, and Israel’s adherence to the agreement will be crucial. As for Hezbollah, I do not trust them, but for now, progress is visible and gives some confidence moving forward.”
He described the memorandum as “a framework that sets foundations and paves the way forward. We do not sign such agreements with everyone, but only with partners we trust.”
Asked how the Netherlands could help limit violations in southern Lebanon, he replied: “It’s essential to demonstrate our support for the Lebanese Army not only in words but through tangible assistance. We also urge Israel to respect the agreement and allow the LAF sufficient time and space to carry out disarmament operations, ensuring a gradual transition toward stability. This is the path to peace, and our presence here underscores that commitment.”
He added that the Netherlands conveys this same message to Israel, the United States, European partners, and the broader international community, noting that while global attention is focused on Gaza and the peace plan there, “there remains a genuine opportunity to achieve stability here in South Lebanon, provided all sides remain committed.”
On the continuing Israeli violations, the minister said: “We see the attacks and incursions and the extent of Israel’s control in certain areas. While it’s hard to assess whether this marks an escalation, the overall framework still stands. The situation was far worse before. I saw evidence of past strikes and repeated fighting everywhere. In that sense, the framework remains in place.”
Clarifying his earlier remarks, Brekelmans said: “Even though violations occur daily, the official positions of all major parties indicate they are still operating within the framework of Resolution 1701. That does not mean there are no violations, but it does mean the framework has not collapsed.”
He concluded: “Our role is to encourage all parties to stay committed, ensure progress continues, and make that progress visible, because violations tend to draw all the attention, while positive steps often go unnoticed. Confidence in the framework depends on communicating these advances clearly. Despite challenges, there is genuine progress, and it’s crucial to sustain it, since there is no viable alternative.”
