Visit of the Prime Minister and the LAF Commander to the François Hajj Barracks in Marjayoun and the Eastern Sector Command of UNIFIL, followed by a tour in the town of Khyam

LAF Commander General Joseph Aoun received Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the headquarters of the 7th Infantry Brigade in François Hajj Barracks, Marjayoun. Mikati was briefed on the missions carried out within the area of responsibility to maintain security and stability and to enforce the authority of the state. He met with the officers, praising their performance amid the current challenging circumstances, and paid tribute to the souls of the LAF martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of the land, expressing pride in the high morale of the soldiers.

He stated: "We have many tasks ahead of us, the most important of which is the withdrawal of the Israeli enemy from all the territories it invaded during its recent aggression, after which the army will carry out its full duties." He added: "The LAF has never failed in its missions. We are facing a difficult test, and the army will prove that it is capable of carrying out all the tasks required of it, and I have complete confidence in this matter. The LAF has always proven that it represents the unity of this nation and fulfills its duties, and all Lebanese people stand by it and support it. Despite limited resources, the LAF remained steadfast in its positions and protected the civilians. We will continue our missions because we believe in what we do."

The Army Commander held a meeting with the brigade officers and soldiers to extend his congratulations on the occasion of the blessed holidays. He reviewed their tasks and operational conditions, and offered his condolences for the army martyrs who fell during the recent Israeli aggression and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. He also provided the officers with essential guidance for the current phase, which involves sensitive and critical tasks. He concluded by commending the soldiers' resilience, discipline, and courage in the face of the Israeli aggression. Afterward, Prime Minister Mikati and General Aoun headed to the Eastern Sector Command of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Ibl Al Saqi, Marjayoun, where they were welcomed by UNIFIL Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lazaro and the Commander of the Eastern Sector, Brigadier General Fernando Ruiz.

Prime Minister Mikati praised the UNIFEL’s role and its close cooperation with the LAF, emphasizing that the priority is the full implementation of Resolution 1701, the withdrawal of the Israeli enemy from the territories it occupied, and the cessation of violations and the systematic destruction of villages. He stated, "We look forward to long-term stability in the South, with the LAF carrying out its full duties in cooperation with UNIFIL."

On the other hand, General Aoun pointed out that the army is carrying out its tasks to the fullest, in line with Resolution 1701, in coordination and cooperation with UNIFIL. He stressed that the primary requirement is for the Israeli enemy to commit to the ceasefire agreement, which is central to the duties of the Quintet Committee. The UNIFIL Commander outlined the tasks being carried out in coordination with the army, highlighting the ongoing meetings of the Quintet Committee to monitor the ceasefire (Mechanism) and implement the required tasks.

The attendees were briefed on the field situation, during which discussions took place on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the next necessary steps. They then moved to the town of Khyam, where military units continue to open roads, remove debris, and handle unexploded ordnance and suspicious objects. They observed the extensive destruction in the town caused by the Israeli aggression. Prime Minister Mikati stated, "We feel great pain for the destruction in the South, but there is hope in the LAF and its morale. The measures related to Resolution 1701 will proceed as planned and will be fully implemented by the LAF, with American and French guarantees. There must be no obstacles preventing the LAF from fulfilling its duties. The delay and procrastination in implementing Resolution 1701 are not on the part of the army; the issue lies with the Israeli side, which is stalling. We need to engage with the parties to the ceasefire agreement—the French and the Americans—to put an end to this Israeli delay and expedite the process as much as possible before the 60-day deadline specified in the agreement expires.”

He added: "I insist on resolving all disputes related to the Blue Line so that there is no justification for the Israeli occupation of our land. The Lebanese government is responsible for implementing the measures we have agreed upon in accordance with international law, and it is fully committed to the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council." Prime Minister Mikati: "The destruction in the town of Khyam is heartbreaking, and there will undoubtedly be a reconstruction plan. We are studying this matter with complete urgency and transparency for its implementation. We are also working with the World Bank, the European Union, Arab countries, and friend nations to establish a credit fund, in which everyone will participate, to rebuild everything that has been destroyed in southern Lebanon."

At the end of the tour, a reception was held for Prime Minister Mikati and General Aoun in the towns of Jdeidet Marjayoun and Qlaaya. Prime Minister Mikati addressed the residents, saying: "I am happy to be here with you in Qlaaya and Jdeidet Marjayoun in southern Lebanon. Your resilience, your attachment to the land, and your steadfastness are what is needed. You fill us with pride and inspire us to work even harder to strengthen stability and revitalize the nation."