A man walks near the rubble of buildings in Zawtar Gharbieh, after the withdrawal of Israeli forces under a U.S.-mediated plan, in southern Lebanon, July 26, 2026. (Credit: Aziz Taher)
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun spoke by phone with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to discuss the situation in Lebanon and the region in light of recent developments, according to a message from Baabda Presidential Palace posted on X.
The discussions focused on the results of the president’s visit to the United States and his talks with President Donald Trump and several American officials. The two leaders also discussed the implementation of the framework agreement reached under American mediation, as the Lebanese Army began deploying in the first two "pilot zones" while the Israeli army continued its shelling and demolitions in south Lebanon. They emphasized the need to end these attacks and to respect the cessation of hostilities.
The two men also discussed the post-UNIFIL period, with UNIFIL’s complete withdrawal scheduled by the end of 2027. These exchanges are part of ongoing talks led by Paris with several partners on the formation of an international coalition to support the Lebanese Army after the departure of the peacekeepers.
Tensions mount around strategic Ali Taher hill in south Lebanese district of Nabatieh
