Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that Israel’s continued occupation of certain areas and hills in southern Lebanon obstructs the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and contradicts the ceasefire agreement reached in November.

According to Qatar News Agency, he stressed that the Lebanese army has fully deployed in areas vacated by Israeli forces and is actively working to maintain security and confiscate unauthorized weapons.

During a meeting today with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Aoun criticized Israel’s refusal to accept Lebanon’s proposals to evacuate five occupied points and replace its forces with international troops. He noted that diplomatic efforts and negotiations are ongoing to find a lasting resolution to the issue. He also accused Israel of still holding several Lebanese detainees, having released only five, and reiterated Lebanon’s determination to secure the return of all recently detained citizens.