Aoun urges US support after Lebanon-Israel framework deal
Lebanon’s president appealed for continued US backing after a Washington-mediated deal aimed at ending fighting with Hezbollah.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asked the United States to continue backing Lebanon after a Washington-mediated framework agreement with Israel aimed at ending the conflict involving Hezbollah. The appeal comes as southern Lebanon remains under strain from displacement, damage and continuing attacks reported after the deal.
In a message to President Donald Trump for the United States’ 250th Independence Day, Aoun called on Washington to keep supporting Lebanon’s “right and just causes,” as well as its institutions, army and people, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. Aoun also said he hoped Lebanon could close a period of wars and begin a period of peace, stability and hope.
The US Embassy in Lebanon said in a post on X that it stood with Lebanese people as they sought a future of peace and prosperity, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
Deal seeks Hezbollah disarmament
Israel and Lebanon signed the US-backed framework agreement last week, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. The arrangement is intended to bring a permanent end to the conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Al Jazeera and AFP reported that the deal calls for Hezbollah to disarm, for Israel to withdraw gradually from southern Lebanon, and for the Lebanese army to deploy in the area. The first stage would begin in two pilot areas, according to the report.
Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The group objected to the absence of a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal.
Hezbollah entered the United States-Israel war with Iran on March 2 by firing rockets at Israel after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. Israel responded with heavy air attacks and a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, occupying areas of territory, the report said.
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said Saturday that 4,303 people had been killed and 12,202 wounded since March 2, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
Displaced residents start returning
Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed visited southern Lebanon on Saturday, including the heavily damaged city of Nabatieh, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. Sayed said authorities were preparing a plan that includes prefabricated housing and rent assistance to help residents return home or relocate nearby.
Sayed also said 400,000 displaced people had gone back to their areas in southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
Violence has continued despite the framework deal. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported Saturday that an Israeli Apache helicopter launched five missiles toward Majdal Zoun, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
The National News Agency separately reported that one person was wounded in an Israeli strike on al-Mansouri, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
The Israeli military later said its forces killed an armed fighter in a “security zone” in southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. The military said soldiers identified an armed “terrorist” operating in the Majdal Zoun area, opened fire, searched the area and killed him.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.