Israel’s continued occupation of border areas in southern Lebanon is obstructing the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and violating the ceasefire agreement signed on November 27, 2024, according to Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
“Israel refuses to hand over five strategically important hills along the border to UN peacekeepers,” Aoun said, as quoted by his press office. “All our proposals on this matter have been rejected by the Israeli side.” He emphasized that Lebanon remains committed to securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of Lebanese hostages.
Aoun expressed gratitude to Germany for its participation in the UN peacekeeping naval force in Lebanon and its support for the Lebanese Navy. Baerbock, in turn, reaffirmed “Germany’s keen interest in Lebanon’s situation and said her country looks forward to the approval of reform measures by the new Lebanese government.”
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US and France in late 2024, required Israel to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon by February 18. However, the Israeli military leadership has stated that it will maintain control over five strategic high-ground positions in Lebanon for an indefinite period, citing security concerns.
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Based on TASS materials