UNIFIL, Paris and Washington express support for Lebanon on 82nd Independence Day

As Lebanon celebrated its 82nd Independence Day on Saturday, the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United States used the occasion to reaffirm their support for the country. UNIFIL emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Army’s full redeployment in southern Lebanon, while Washington praised recent government steps toward stability and reform.

On Saturday, marking Lebanon's independence day, the Head of Mission and Force Commander for UNIFIL wrote on X: “On Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day, UNIFIL remains committed to supporting the Lebanese army — our close partner in strengthening stability in the south. Their full redeployment across south Lebanon is essential for extending state authority."

Lebanese troops are tasked with disarming militias, particularly Hezbollah, which was weakened by its last conflict with Israel. This mission has begun south of the Litani River, where Hezbollah has not opposed dismantling its infrastructure. However, the group refuses to give up its arms elsewhere in Lebanon, where army-led disarmament is expected to begin in early 2026.

For its part, the US embassy in Beirut wrote on X: "Secretary of State Marco Rubio [said]: 'On behalf of the United States of America, I offer my best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to the people of Lebanon as you commemorate the 82nd anniversary of your independence. This year, the Government of Lebanon has taken courageous steps to promote a brighter future for the Lebanese people. The United States will continue to stand in partnership with Lebanon as we work together to promote stability and economic prosperity in Lebanon and across the region.'”

President Joseph Aoun also addressed the nation on Friday night, stating that Lebanon is ready to fully and effectively engage in the peace process. “Lebanon is ready to negotiate under U.S., international, or joint U.S.-international sponsorship any agreement which will put a permanent end to the [Israeli] transborder aggressions,” he said.

On the same day, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal laid a wreath at the Lebanese Army’s monument to the fallen at the Ministry of National Defense, honoring their sacrifices in preserving Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty and independence.

France stands by Lebanon

French Ambassador to Beirut Hervé Magro wished the Lebanese a happy Independence Day. “Happy Independence Day to the Lebanese, who, in Lebanon and around the world, keep hope alive for their country to recover and regain full sovereignty. France stands by your side on this path toward a stable and prosperous future, and a strong state for all,” he emphasized on X.

During a visit to the South Litani Sector Command at Benoit Barakat Barracks in Sour on Friday, Aoun expressed hope that “by next year’s Independence Day, the entire South will have been liberated, and only Lebanese flags will fly along the border.” He also highlighted “the distinguished role of the army stationed in the South in general, and in the South Litani Sector in particular,” honoring the 12 soldiers who have fallen since the security plan began.

This year’s celebrations were canceled due to ongoing cease-fire violations by Israel and near-daily attacks on southern Lebanon. They had also been canceled in 2024 due to a large-scale conflict between the party and Israel. In 2022 and 2023, Independence Day events were canceled while the country was without a president following Michel Aoun’s term, until a new head of state was elected in January 2025.

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, who is celebrating Independence Day in Paris and meeting with numerous French officials, paid tribute to the “martyrs,” recalling his commitment to the state. “We renew our pledge to preserve security, strengthen stability, extend the authority of the state across its entire territory by its own means, and liberate every inch of the homeland,” he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Paul Morcos “renewed his commitment to the mission of the state and its institutions, as well as to the Lebanese people, who deserve a homeland worthy of their sacrifices,” calling for “unity to be a strength, freedom a responsibility, and the media a space that unites rather than divides.”

‘Regaining independence requires a unified state decision’

FPM (Aounist) leader Gebran Bassil also spoke on Independence Day. “Regaining independence requires a unified decision by the state, so that the army enjoys the monopoly on arms, protects stability with international guarantees, carries out reforms, maintains Lebanon’s neutrality in conflicts … and fosters an independent spirit. Full support for our army, which protects our independence!” he wrote on X.

Former PSP leader Walid Jumblatt praised the president’s clear vision on Independence Day following his statements Friday from southern Lebanon. “From Sour, President Joseph Aoun presented a clear vision for the liberation of the South, the sovereignty of the state, and the monopoly on arms. From Sour, the president established the best path and the best vision for the future,” the Druze leader said on X.

“Who decides Lebanon’s future, its state or those who bear arms?” asks Israeli army

The Israeli army also weighed in on Lebanon’s Independence Day, asking, “Who decides Lebanon’s future, its state or those who bear arms?”

“The men of independence won their freedom with their own hands, defying the French mandate, to transform Lebanon into an Eastern paradise, a symbol of art and culture, freedom and creativity — the Lebanon of which the Lebanese are proud, as Assi Al-Hellani’s song says. But today, under Hezbollah’s control, Lebanon has become a battlefield, dominated by those who possess arms and by terrorism,” wrote the Israeli army’s Arabic-speaking spokesperson Avichay Adraee on X. He also asked the Lebanese what kind of Lebanon they want: “Which Lebanon do you want? Yesterday’s Lebanon: radiant, free, creative… or today’s Lebanon: besieged and powerless? The choice is yours.”

For the occasion, Adraee published a cartoon portraying Hezbollah as the sovereign of the country. “If independence lacks sovereignty, then who will decide Lebanon’s future: the state or those who wield arms against it?” wrote LCol Adraee. The cartoon shows a man holding a flag reading “Happy Independence Day,” while a Hezbollah militant stands beside him saying: “Who is independent when we are here?”