Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed that "the time has come to end the war permanently," pointing out that Lebanon "considers the continued presence of international forces operating in the south to be the optimal means for the coming phase." He added that "if this proves difficult due to the procedures required through the Security Council, an alternative force can be established to take their place in order to help the Lebanese army clear the southern regions, remove unexploded ordnance, and accompany the implementation phase of the framework agreement" between Lebanon and Israel under American auspices.

The mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is set to expire at the end of this year. European countries, led by France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, have expressed a desire to keep their forces in the south after the expiration of UNIFIL's mandate through a "European force," in the event that efforts fail to reach a formula that keeps the international force under the United Nations framework.

UNIFIL vehicles crossing through devastated Lebanese towns near the border with Israel (AFP)

Aoun's statement came during his reception of European Union Ambassador Sandra De Waal, along with a delegation of ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of European countries in Lebanon. Ambassador De Waal noted the importance of President Aoun's successful visit to Washington, saying: "It is the first time in 17 years that the President of the Lebanese Republic has been received by the President of the United States. I believe this is a historic moment, and we hope it will launch a new chapter."

She considered that Lebanon stands today at a crossroads and the beginning of a new chapter, and that its future depends on two main things: enhancing security and stability, rebuilding strong institutions, maintaining a strong economy, and implementing necessary reforms." She stressed the importance of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, which would open the door to significant potential support for Lebanon.

Commitment to the "Framework Agreement"

For his part, Aoun stressed that Lebanon is committed to implementing the reforms it has approved, especially economic ones, considering them a domestic necessity first and foremost, rather than to please anyone or at the request of any country. He pointed to the swift steps he took in this regard before the outbreak of the war, "which hindered what we were doing, but we continue to work to achieve our aspirations."

Aoun stressed Lebanon's commitment to the "framework formula" signed between Lebanon and Israel under American auspices, especially its security clauses and those related to reconstruction, as well as aligning the political track with the reconstruction track exclusively through the Lebanese state, and creating alternatives for our people in the south, especially our people from the Shiite community.

President Joseph Aoun receiving the EU Ambassador along with a delegation of ambassadors and chargés d'affaires: - The continued presence of UNIFIL is the optimal means for the coming phase, and if that proves difficult, an alternative force should be established to replace it. - We call on the European Union to support the implementation of the "framework formula," and Lebanon's stability reflects the stability of... pic.twitter.com/LBp0jzPev1

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) July 24, 2026

The President of the Republic touched upon his meeting with US President Donald Trump, which he described as fruitful, pointing out that the talks dealt with the implementation of the "framework formula," the Israeli withdrawal, and the deployment of the army in the areas from which withdrawal takes place according to the model areas formula. He asked EU countries to support Lebanon in this context and prevent Israel from obstructing the implementation, because this "constitutes the only way to achieve peace and stability in the south specifically, and in Lebanon generally."

Aoun stressed that the time has come to end the war permanently, given its importance for achieving economic growth, attracting local and foreign investments, and "paving the way to focus in the subsequent phase on economic, financial, monetary, judicial, and other essential fields."

In response to a question, the President of the Republic emphasized that Lebanon considers the continued presence of international forces operating in the south to be the optimal means for the coming phase. If that proves difficult due to the procedures required through the Security Council, an alternative force should be established to replace them, in order to assist the Lebanese army in clearing the southern regions, removing unexploded ordnance, and accompanying the implementation phase of the "framework formula."

Aoun expressed his hope that after the implementation of the first phase of the pilot areas, other regions will be identified later, in preparation for extending state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.

Lebanese soldiers deployed in the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh following the withdrawal of the Israeli army from it (EPA)

Salam Meeting

President Aoun briefed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on the results of his visit to the United States of America, the meetings he held with US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the readiness expressed by US officials to support the Lebanese army and assist Lebanon in all fields, in addition to the US commitment to work on implementing the framework formula agreed upon in the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington, in light of the Lebanese position that stressed the necessity of completing the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese villages and towns up to the southern border.

For his part, Prime Minister Salam briefed the President of the Republic on his visit to the south, specifically the town of Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh following the Israeli withdrawal. Prime Minister Salam explained during the meeting that he emphasized "that we are with our people in the south and stand by them, and that the state is determined to secure their needs to anchor their presence on their land and livelihoods."

President Joseph Aoun received Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam and reviewed with him the general situation in the country in light of recent developments. President Aoun briefed the Prime Minister on the results of his visit to the United States of America and the meetings he held with US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio... pic.twitter.com/BX4KbQheGd

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) July 24, 2026

Ministers of Defense and Interior

At the ministerial level, Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmed Al-Hajjar affirmed his support for the national efforts led by the President of the Republic to protect Lebanon, safeguard its sovereignty, extricate it from the war imposed on it, achieve the Israeli withdrawal, and extend state authority over its entire territory.

During his meeting with President Aoun, Al-Hajjar expressed his satisfaction with the positive atmosphere surrounding the President's visit to Washington and the welcome and praise he received, considering that it reflects growing international confidence in Lebanon and its legitimate institutions. He added that the historic summit that brought together President Aoun and the US President constituted a pivotal milestone in Lebanese-American relations and a clear message of support for Lebanon.

Likewise, Aoun received Defense Minister Michel Menassa, who briefed him on the army's deployment to reinforce its presence in a number of southern towns and villages, notably the town of Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh, from which Israeli forces withdrew in implementation of the framework formula reached during the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington. They also discussed the conditions of the military institution and the needs of the servicemen.