President Aoun Accuses Israel of Violating Lebanon Security Deal

President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of violating a U.S.-brokered framework agreement following intensified Israeli artillery shelling, drone strikes, and the demolition of civilian buildings in southern Lebanon. The strikes targeted areas including Nabatieh Al Fawqa and Ali al-Taher hill, while continuous detonations in villages such as Froun and Ghandouriyeh have caused mountain collapses and destroyed agricultural lands.

The June framework agreement established pilot zones in areas like Srifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, where the Lebanese army was tasked with disarming Hezbollah in exchange for Israeli withdrawal. However, the process has stalled; Israeli officials have indicated they will not stage further withdrawals, and Hezbollah opposes the scheme. Local officials report that critical water and electricity infrastructure is in ruins, with the Lebanese government targeting September 15 to restore some services.

President Aoun stated that rebuilding the region is impossible under Israeli occupation. He noted that Lebanon is seeking a legal framework for a friendly international presence to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon when its mandate expires in December 2026. France and Italy have expressed interest in a multinational coalition, while the European Union plans a mission to train the Lebanese army.