Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday called for stronger efforts from the international committee tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities along the country’s southern border, urging renewed pressure on Israel to halt its violations, withdraw from occupied territory, and release Lebanese detainees.

Aoun made the remarks during a meeting at the presidential palace with U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, outgoing head of the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee, who introduced his successor, Major General Michael Leeney. The meeting was also attended by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson.

The Lebanese president stressed the importance of reinforcing the committee’s role amid heightened tensions along the southern border, where recent Israeli airstrikes and cross-border exchanges have raised fears of wider escalation.

Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s longstanding demand that Israel withdraw from five strategic hills it continues to occupy, and that it release all Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli custody. He also underscored the need for international partners to maintain pressure on Israel to cease its ongoing violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

“The committee must step up its monitoring work, and greater international pressure must be applied to end the Israeli aggressions,” Aoun said, according to a statement from the presidency.

He added that the Lebanese Army was fully carrying out its duties in the south, particularly in the area south of the Litani River, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The army, he noted, continues to seize illegal weapons and ammunition and dismantle unauthorized armed outposts.

The delegation also met with Lebanese Army Commander Rodolph Haykal.