Lebanon’s President and US General Discuss Implementation of Truce with Israel
Meeting Between President Aoun and General Kurilla
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and the head of US Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, met on Monday to discuss the implementation of a fragile truce between Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israel in the south of the country. The meeting came as a January 26 deadline to fully implement the terms of the ceasefire approached.
Terms of the Ceasefire Accord
Under the November 27 ceasefire accord, the Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers in the south of Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws. At the same time, Hezbollah is required to pull its forces north of the Litani River, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure it has in the country’s south. A committee composed of Israeli, Lebanese, French and US delegates, alongside a representative from the UN peacekeeping force, has been tasked with monitoring the implementation of the deal.
Discussion of Cooperation between Armies
Aoun and Kurilla also discussed “ways to activate cooperation between the Lebanese and American armies,” the presidency said. The United States has been a key financial backer of the Lebanese armed forces, especially since the country’s economy collapsed in 2019.
Recent Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
Meanwhile, Israel carried out air strikes in east and south Lebanon on Sunday, with the Israeli military saying it struck Hezbollah targets including smuggling routes along the border with Syria. Israeli strikes in south Lebanon on Friday killed five people, according to the Lebanese health ministry, with the Israeli military saying it targeted a Hezbollah weapons truck.
Conclusion
The meeting between President Aoun and General Kurilla is a significant step towards implementing the ceasefire accord and maintaining peace in the region. The cooperation between the Lebanese and American armies will also play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the truce. As the deadline for implementing the terms of the ceasefire approaches, it is essential that all parties work together to maintain the fragile peace.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the meeting between President Aoun and General Kurilla?
A: The meeting is to discuss the implementation of a fragile truce between Hezbollah and Israel in the south of Lebanon.
Q: What are the terms of the ceasefire accord?
A: The Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers in the south of Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws. Hezbollah is required to pull its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure it has in the country’s south.
Q: Who is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire accord?
A: A committee composed of Israeli, Lebanese, French and US delegates, alongside a representative from the UN peacekeeping force, has been tasked with monitoring the implementation of the deal.
Q: What is the significance of the cooperation between the Lebanese and American armies?
A: The cooperation will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the truce and maintaining peace in the region.