Emmanuel Macron urged Israel to accelerate troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon during his visit to Beirut, emphasizing the need for Lebanon’s military to control weaponry. This plea aligns with a ceasefire agreement post-conflict with Hezbollah. He also announced plans for an international reconstruction conference to support Lebanon’s recovery.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Israel to expedite its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, aligning with a ceasefire agreement established after the conflict with Hezbollah last year. Macron’s call comes during his visit to Beirut, where he emphasized the need for Lebanon’s military to possess complete control over weaponry and expressed support for the Lebanese army’s operations in the south.
This visit marks Macron as the first foreign leader to meet with Lebanon’s recent president, Joseph Aoun, a former military commander. Macron stated, “We need a total withdrawal of the Israeli army,” underscoring his commitment to strengthening Lebanese military presence in the southern region, enhancing its authority.
The ceasefire agreement mandates Israeli forces to retreat from southern Lebanon within 60 days and requires Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters and arms from the area. The Lebanese army is also expected to collaborate with UN peacekeepers during this transition, ahead of the January 26 deadline.
As the deadline approaches, Macron called for immediate and enduring progress regarding the ceasefire terms. He stated, “There needs to be complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the Lebanese army must hold total monopoly of any weapons” in southern Lebanon.
A joint committee composed of representatives from Israel, Lebanon, France, the United States, and the UN peacekeeping force has been designated to oversee the ceasefire implementation. Macron also declared plans for an upcoming international reconstruction conference in Paris to support Lebanon’s infrastructure revival.
In a statement, Al Jazeera reporter Zeina Khodr remarked that Macron’s visit signified a new chapter for Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of the new leadership. Macron also highlighted necessary reforms in various sectors as Lebanon begins to organize its government to address pressing national concerns.
The current political scenario in Lebanon is a direct result of the recent conflict with Hezbollah, which significantly altered the power dynamics within the country. Following the ceasefire established in November, which was mediated by the United States and France, there has been a pressing need for both the Israeli military and Hezbollah to comply with the withdrawal mandates stipulated in the agreement. Macron’s visit and statements reflect a broader diplomatic effort to stabilize Lebanon and restore its governmental integrity under new leadership.
In summary, President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Beirut underscores France’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty. His call for Israel to expedite troop withdrawals and assert the Lebanese army’s authority in southern Lebanon highlights the urgency of implementing the ceasefire agreement. The upcoming international reconstruction conference is expected to facilitate significant support for Lebanon as it seeks to restore and reform its infrastructure.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
