Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized Israel’s military presence in Lebanon during his first interview post-assumption of office. He emphasized the need for international mediation to facilitate Israel’s withdrawal and expressed frustration over the lack of U.S. pressure on Israel. He also underscored Lebanon’s weariness from ongoing wars, advocating for the country’s economic and political recovery.
In his inaugural interview since becoming the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun asserted that he perceives no military justification for Israel’s presence in Lebanese territory. He remarked, “With drones and satellites, these locations are meaningless.” Furthermore, Aoun indicated that he is engaging with mediators from France and the United States to facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.
Aoun expressed concern regarding the lack of pressure from the American administration on Israel to retreat. He stated, “If the American administration, until now, did not pressure Israel to leave Lebanese territory, it means either that there is no desire to do so or that it is waiting for the appropriate time, I don’t know.” Despite these frustrations, he acknowledged the importance of maintaining relations with the United States due to its global influence.
Having assumed office following the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which was marked by the assassination of prominent Hezbollah figures, President Aoun conveyed Lebanon’s fatigue with ongoing hostilities. He emphasized, “In all honesty Lebanon is tired. The Lebanese are tired of others fighting their wars on our land. We deserve economic and political recovery.”
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon has voiced strong concerns regarding Israel’s military presence in Lebanon, highlighting the perceived lack of necessity for it. He is actively seeking international mediation to resolve these tensions and urges the U.S. to apply pressure on Israel for withdrawal. The sentiment prevailing in Lebanon is one of exhaustion from conflict, with a desire for political and economic stability to be restored.
Original Source: news.az
