Israeli occupation hinders state control: Lebanon president

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Beirut, following Lammy’s visit to Syria, the presidency said on Saturday.

During the talks, Aoun stressed that the current regional tensions require the continued presence of Unifil in southern Lebanon to help implement UN Resolution 1701.

“The continued Israeli occupation of the five hills, its repeated aggressions, and its failure to release prisoners make it difficult for the state to fully impose its authority, protect its citizens and enforce its decisions, including the exclusive possession of weapons,” the presidency said.

Aoun also noted that the army will soon deploy 10,000 troops to southern Lebanon, with only legitimate security forces and UN peacekeepers allowed to operate in the area.

Lammy reportedly reaffirmed the UK’s support for the Lebanese military and said London is closely monitoring the developments in the country