Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, seeking American support to ensure Israel’s compliance with the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which calls for a halt to hostilities in southern Lebanon, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied positions, and the return of Lebanese detainees.

Aoun emphasized that Lebanon has fully respected the agreement and urged Washington to hold Israel accountable under the framework of United Nations Resolution 1701.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Aoun also requested U.S. assistance to strengthen the Lebanese Army by providing equipment and supplies to enable it to operate effectively across all regions of the country. He called for sustained efforts to create conditions for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The Lebanese president further asked for U.S. support to convene an international conference dedicated to Lebanon’s reconstruction, a move aimed at revitalizing the country after years of political and economic crises.

For his part, Rubio reaffirmed continued American support for Lebanon, commending President Aoun and the Lebanese government for their efforts to restore the nation’s stability and overcome the challenges it faces.