Aoun, army chief discuss postwar military role after Israel agreement

WEB DESK: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday met Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal to discuss the military’s responsibilities under a US-brokered framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Israel.

According to the Anadolu Agency, Haykal also briefed Aoun on his recent visits to Türkiye and the United Kingdom, where he discussed military cooperation with officials.

Israel withdrawal linked to army deployment

The meeting followed a framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel on Friday. The agreement provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory, beginning with two areas that have not been publicly identified.

The agreement does not set a timeline for the withdrawal. It says Israeli forces will withdraw as the Lebanese army takes control of the evacuated areas and non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, are disarmed.

Hezbollah rejected the agreement, saying it was unacceptable and objecting to linking the Israeli withdrawal to its disarmament.

Aoun backs army amid tensions

Aoun praised the military’s role in extending state authority, maintaining security, protecting the borders and preserving civil peace. He also said criticism of the army would not affect its work or public trust in the institution.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli military operations since March 2 have killed 4,257 people, injured 12,196 others and displaced more than one million people.

Israeli forces continue to hold areas in southern Lebanon, including land occupied for years and areas taken during the 2023-2024 conflict. The military has also advanced up to 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.