A United Nations Security Council delegation met Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun on Friday as tensions with Israel continue to escalate, following a new round of Israeli strikes in the country’s south. The visit comes as Beirut faces pressure to advance a plan to disarm Hezbollah, even as cross-border violence persists despite a ceasefire agreement.
Aoun urged the delegation to push Israel to respect the November 2024 truce, accusing Israel of near-daily violations and continued occupation of several positions in southern Lebanon. “We look forward to pressure from your side,” he told the visiting diplomats, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
The UN team also met Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri before departing for a tour of the south, where Aoun said they would be able to “see the real picture” on the ground. He added that the army is working to implement its plan to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenal, a core demand of the ceasefire.
The visit coincides with a rare diplomatic opening between Lebanon and Israel that has stirred controversy. Earlier in the week, civilian representatives from both countries held their first direct talks in decades—a development Hezbollah strongly condemned. Deputy leader Naim Qassem called the talks a “free concession” that undermines Lebanese sovereignty, accusing Israel of exploiting diplomacy while continuing attacks.
Qassem said Israel’s actions reflect an “expansionist” agenda, claiming its repeated strikes are aimed at gradually occupying Lebanese territory. He insisted Hezbollah would not consider disarmament while Israeli forces still occupy parts of the south and continue their military operations.
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Hours after the talks, Israel launched another wave of strikes on four southern villages, part of hundreds of attacks since last year’s truce. The strikes have killed more than 300 people across Lebanon—including over 120 civilians—according to UN figures, and have destroyed homes and critical infrastructure. Israel maintains it is targeting Hezbollah assets to prevent the group from rebuilding its military capabilities.
Despite the violence, Beirut insists negotiations must continue. Aoun’s Information Minister Paul Morcos said talks scheduled to resume on December 19 remain “the only path forward.” At a recent cabinet meeting, Aoun emphasized the need for diplomacy over confrontation, saying Lebanon would concede nothing on its sovereignty.
