Key facts
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper.
- Aoun expressed the Lebanese state's determination to extend its authority to the southern border with Israel.
- The Lebanese army would be the instrument for extending this control.
- Hezbollah maintains a strong presence along the border.
- Discussions also covered preparations for implementing a framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel, and the US.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper of his commitment to extending state authority via the military to the southern border with Israel, where Hezbollah has a significant presence. Aoun reaffirmed "the Lebanese state's determination to extend its authority, through its armed forces, to the southern border," according to a statement from the presidency. The two officials also discussed preparations for implementing a framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel, and the United States.