Lebanon's President Aoun Urges Israeli Withdrawal, Peace Enforcement at UN Assembly

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate end to Israeli aggression, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and the release of Lebanese prisoners, emphasizing the need for the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. He highlighted Israel's continued military actions against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and demanded that weapons in the region be centralized under state control in coordination with the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL to ensure lasting peace and stability. Aoun underscored Lebanon's unique coexistence between religious communities and warned that the loss of either Christian or Muslim presence would lead to national collapse and increased regional extremism. He also called for renewed international efforts to find a just solution to the Palestinian issue based on a two-state framework and urged Syria to fulfill its commitments regarding border security and displaced persons. Additionally, Aoun emphasized Lebanon's economic reform agenda and the necessity of attracting foreign investment and aid to restore stability and rebuild the state. Throughout his speeches and meetings in New York, Aoun stressed that mere verbal condemnations are insufficient and that concrete international pressure and action are required to halt Israeli violations and support Lebanon's sovereignty and regional peace.