President Joseph Aoun urged the United States on Tuesday to pressure Israel to implement a U.S.-backed framework agreement with Lebanon, saying Israel was still failing to comply with its commitments while Lebanon had fully honored its obligations.

Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with U.S. Congressmen Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer and their accompanying delegation.

“Lebanon is counting on the United States to put pressure on Israel to implement the Framework Agreement,” Aoun said, according to a statement from the presidency. “We need to put an end to the demolition, bulldozing and destruction of the southern villages under Israeli occupation."

Aoun said activating the framework required swift action on several outstanding issues, including completing the release of Lebanese prisoners, resolving disputed points along the Blue Line and securing the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

The Lebanese army would then deploy in the areas vacated by Israeli forces and eventually reach Lebanon’s internationally recognized southern border, he said.

Aoun warned that any delay in Israel’s implementation of the agreement would prolong tensions in southern Lebanon and prevent the Lebanese State from fully extending its authority there.

It would also hinder efforts to remove armed groups and allow residents displaced from southern villages and towns to return home, he said.

Aoun also called for greater international support for the Lebanese army as it assumes broader responsibilities across the country.

“The Lebanese army needs the resources to extend State authority across the country,” Aoun said. “Its responsibilities go well beyond the south, including fighting terrorism and smuggling, securing the eastern and northern borders, maintaining civil peace and protecting state institutions.”

He also said the government remained committed to financial, economic and judicial reforms.

Several reform laws have already been enacted, including amendments to the banking secrecy law, legislation on bank restructuring and a new media law, Aoun said, adding that work was continuing to complete the reform agenda.

LaHood, for his part, praised Aoun’s efforts to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and to strengthen state authority.

He also welcomed what he described as the results achieved following Aoun’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during what he called a highly successful visit.

“Lebanon has a real opportunity to restore stability at home and across the region, and we cannot afford to let that opportunity slip away,” LaHood said.