President Michel Aoun informed the United Kingdom’s Senior Defense Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa, Admiral Edward Ahlgren, during their meeting at Baabda Palace today, in the presence of the British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, that the Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in more than a thousand casualties, hundreds of injuries, and the displacement of around one million Lebanese citizens, in addition to the extensive destruction inflicted on towns and villages subjected to bombardment.
President Aoun emphasized that Lebanon cannot fight others’ wars on its soil, a principle reaffirmed by the Cabinet in a decision taken several weeks ago. He also noted that the government’s decisions regarding the exclusivity of arms and the authority over war and peace are irrevocable, as they align with the Constitution, the Taif Agreement, the presidential oath, and the government’s ministerial statement. He added that this war could have been avoided if Israel had responded to Lebanon’s and the Arab states’ calls, as well as the international community’s appeals, to withdraw from the territories it occupied in 2024 and had adhered to the agreement reached at the time under American and French sponsorship.
President Aoun confirmed to the British official that the negotiation initiative he launched a few days ago remains active and has received significant regional and international support. Israel still needs to respond to calls for a ceasefire and implement this initiative. He stressed that Israel’s targeting of bridges aims to isolate villages and towns south of the Litani River from the rest of Lebanon, with severe negative consequences.
The President highlighted that his meetings with senior officials and political parties aim to strengthen internal security, safeguard national unity, and maintain the cohesion of Lebanese society, noting his confidence that the Lebanese people remain united in facing current challenges.
President Aoun thanked Admiral Edward Ahlgren for the support provided by the United Kingdom to Lebanon in general and to the Lebanese Army in particular.
Admiral Ahlgren conveyed his country’s support to Lebanon during these difficult circumstances, affirming solidarity with the Lebanese people in their suffering.
