German president in Lebanon to 'ask Hezbollah, Israel to abide by cease-fire agreement'

BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun held a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the Presidential Baabda Palace on Monday morning, during which he asked the German side to assist the Lebanese Army and play a key role after the end of UNIFIL’s mission, as well as to pressure Israel to abide by the cease-fire and withdraw from the five positions still occupied by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon.

As part of his visit, Steinmeier also plans to meet with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the German naval contingent serving in UNIFIL and other Lebanese officials.

During a press conference held after the meeting held in the palace, Steinmeier insisted on Berlin's engagement to "support and strengthen" Lebanon amid a "difficult security situation," committing to "remain by Lebanon’s side after the end of UNIFIL’s mission.”

UNIFIL plans to withdraw most of its peacekeepers, whose mandate expires at the end of the year, by mid-2027.

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"We must consider how to strengthen the backbone of Lebanon's stability — namely the Lebanese Armed Forces — after UNIFIL’s mission ends," the German president added, highlighting the current cooperation between the army and the German navy.

An international conference will be organized in Paris on March 5 to mobilize support for the Lebanese Army.

The army is tasked with deploying thousands of soldiers in southern Lebanon, as per the November 2024 cease-fire agreement that put an end to 13 months of strikes between Hezbollah and the Israeli Army.

Stenmeier also noted that his visit to Lebanon is to "call on Hezbollah and Israel to abide by the cease-fire agreement," pressing for "Hezbollah’s disarmament must proceed steadily" and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.

Israel continues to carry out airstrikes on a nearly-daily basis and still occupies areas in the South despite this agreement.

Steinmeier also said that Germany, along with other countries, wants to help rebuild areas destroyed during the latest war.

For his part, Aoun insisted on the importance for Lebanon to "liberate from all occupation and tutelage" and rebuild "with our own will, capabilities, and the support of friends."

"I tell you on behalf of all Lebanese: We are no longer able to bear the conflicts or burdens of anyone," Aoun continued.

The German president's itinerary also features visits to the Beirut Port, the National Museum and the Naval School of Jounieh. Steinmeier is accompanied by his wife and a diplomatic delegation.