Aoun: The Agreement Framework Does Not Legalize the Occupation's Continuation, and the Lebanese Army Will Assume Full Responsibilities After Withdrawal

SadaNews - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Friday that the framework agreement signed with Israel does not legalize the occupation's continuation in Lebanon, but rather stipulates empowering the Lebanese army to exert its control over the entire territory of the country. This came during his meeting with a delegation from the Association of Lebanese Universities, the Lebanese Medical Association, and the Lebanese Maronite Order, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. Aoun said, "Our sovereign decision to separate our path from the Iranian-American path is a problem for those who are accustomed to being under a guardianship that controls us, decides for us, and negotiates for us." He affirmed that "the framework formula does not legalize the Israeli occupation's continuing presence in Lebanon, but rather stipulates empowering the Lebanese army to exert its control over all Lebanese territories." He stressed that Lebanon is "a democratic country that respects freedom of opinion, but there are red lines that must not be crossed, such as inciting sectarian strife or overthrowing the government in the street." Aoun pointed out that "power is not in the ability to wage war or ensure its continuity, but in having the courage to end it through negotiations, which is a battle without bloodshed." He confirmed that "no one doubts the army's role, and it will assume full responsibilities in achieving security and stability in the south after the withdrawal of Israeli forces." On June 26, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed, under American sponsorship, a "framework agreement" that stipulates an experimental Israeli withdrawal starting from two areas. However, the agreement did not specify a timeline for the withdrawal from the two areas or from all territories, linking this to the Lebanese army alone assuming full and effective security responsibility in the areas from which the withdrawal is taking place and disarming all non-state armed groups, specifically referring to Hezbollah. While some Lebanese officials viewed the agreement as a "first step" towards restoring the state's sovereignty over all its territories and the return of displaced persons to their towns, Hezbollah stated that the agreement is "non-existent" and "humiliating." It considered linking the Israeli withdrawal to disarming the party a "crossing of red lines," while its supporters protested in Beirut, blocking roads.