Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, emphasized the critical need for the Lebanese army to be deployed along the border and called for increased pressure on Israel to withdraw from the areas it continues to occupy in Lebanon. He stated that the ongoing occupation undermines the state's legitimacy, hinders the army's deployment, and obstructs the foundation for achieving a just and lasting peace.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun highlighted the importance of the Lebanese army and security forces as essential to maintaining stability and security in the South, enabling residents to return to their towns and homes. He firmly declared that there is no place for civil war in Lebanon and that its return is not an option, despite efforts by some to rekindle sectarian strife.

President Aoun's comments were made during a video conference with the American Task Force for Lebanon, where he expressed gratitude for the organization's ongoing support for Lebanon and its people. He urged the group to support the framework formula reached with Israel, under U.S. auspices, to ensure its implementation, especially regarding Lebanon's sovereignty and the extension of state authority through official forces across the entire Lebanese territory.

Members of the Task Force for Lebanon conveyed their appreciation for President Aoun's efforts to help Lebanon recover and establish long-term security, stability, and peace. They assured their commitment to leveraging resources and contacts in the United States to support the President's vision of restoring the Lebanese state's sovereignty over its entire territory and reinforcing the role of the Lebanese Army and security institutions in promoting security and stability throughout the country.