President Joseph Aoun reiterated the Lebanese Army's ongoing efforts to secure the southern border, confirming that the military is continuing its deployment in villages and towns that were vacated by Israel. 

In a meeting with General Aroldo Lazzaro, the head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), at the Presidential Palace in Baabda on Thursday, President Aoun emphasized that the army is focused on clearing these areas of landmines and remnants of weapons, noting the difficulty of the terrain in southern Lebanon, which demands time and careful attention to ensure thorough demining and security operations.

Aoun stressed the urgency of ending Israel's continued occupation of five key hills in the south, emphasizing that this must be resolved swiftly to guarantee stability and security along Lebanon’s southern border. He added that the Israeli withdrawal would facilitate the full return of displaced residents to their villages, many of which have been severely damaged by the prolonged occupation.

The President also discussed the ongoing recruitment process, in line with a decision by the Cabinet, to increase the number of soldiers in southern Lebanon. He confirmed that an additional 4,500 soldiers will be deployed to join those already stationed in the region to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. These forces, working in collaboration with UNIFIL, will contribute to ensuring security in the south. Aoun acknowledged the significant efforts made by UNIFIL in coordinating with the Lebanese Army.

In his international outreach, President Aoun revealed that one of the main objectives of his overseas visits is to secure additional support for the Lebanese Army. He noted the strong, positive response from both regional and international allies, underscoring the trust the Lebanese Army has earned and the vital role it plays in maintaining stability across the country.