Despite ongoing security tensions in southern Lebanon, the recent municipal elections were successfully conducted under international arrangements and guarantees, President Joseph Aoun revealed. These measures aimed to safeguard the democratic process and prevent any on-the-ground escalation that might disrupt the electoral proceedings. As he cast his ballot Sunday in his southern hometown of Al-Ayshiyeh, President Aoun praised the determination of the Lebanese people to participate in the vote, emphasizing that the municipal elections reflect a popular commitment to the state’s path and national development.

These elections took place amid a sensitive regional context marked by shifting priorities and evolving alliances. At the same time, Lebanon continues to send clear signals to the international community, urging pressure on Israel to withdraw from the five remaining occupied positions in the south. This call is especially significant as the Lebanese state remains fully committed to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in the area south of the Litani River.

In this regard, informed diplomatic sources told kataeb.org that the international community is beginning to recognize the seriousness of Lebanon’s new government in enforcing international resolutions. This recognition is reflected in the positive atmosphere surrounding the completion of constitutional milestones and the steady functioning of state institutions, reinforcing confidence in Lebanon’s ability to maintain political and developmental stability—particularly at the municipal level, which is viewed as a cornerstone of resilience and sustainable growth.

The sources further confirmed that the U.S. administration has adopted a more serious stance on the issue of Israeli occupation of the five contested positions and is applying concrete pressure on Tel Aviv to prompt a withdrawal. This effort runs parallel to expectations that the Lebanese army will soon complete its deployment across the southern regions and along all international borders. Washington is placing its bets on the army to accelerate this deployment and control illegal weapons, leveraging international support to strengthen the military’s role as the primary guarantor of Lebanon’s security and sovereignty.

Similarly, kataeb.org has learned that President Aoun is actively seeking more robust international guarantees on this file. He is expected to raise the matter during the upcoming visit of U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, who will be visiting Lebanon for the third time. The visit aims to continue discussions on securing Israel’s full withdrawal from the occupied positions in exchange for Lebanese commitments on army deployment, border control, and the activation of ceasefire agreement provisions. These steps are intended to ensure the security of the border with Israel and bolster stability in southern Lebanon.

This is the English adaptation of an article originally published on Kataeb.org by Chady Hilani.