Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Urges Greece to Press Israel for Full Implementation of Framework Agreement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has formally asked Greece to help ensure the complete implementation of a US-mediated agreement with Israel designed to end ongoing hostilities.

Speaking during a meeting with Greek President Constantine Tassoulas in Athens, Mr Aoun stressed that the framework must be fulfilled entirely by both sides rather than selectively. He specifically asked Greece to help bring an end to Israel's occupation of south Lebanon and the continued conflict with the Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah.

“We request Greece's assistance as much as possible to help Lebanon,” Mr Aoun stated during his visit.

The appeal came just hours after Greece signed a multibillion-dollar arms deal, marking the largest defence agreement between the two nations to date, which involves Israel supplying Athens with the multilayered “Achilles Shield” air-defence system.

Lebanon and Israel previously signed a framework agreement in June following several rounds of direct negotiations. The pact aims to halt hostilities, disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah, deploy Lebanese troops in the south, and facilitate a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to demolish villages within the designated buffer zone, which encompasses roughly 7 per cent of Lebanon. This ongoing presence in southern Lebanon has faced widespread international condemnation as an illegal occupation.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has rejected the deal due to the lack of a clear timetable for Israel's withdrawal while Israeli forces maintain a presence in the country. Faced with this political stalemate, Beirut has actively sought international backing to pressure Israel into upholding its commitments.

“Solving the problem by military force will not succeed,” Mr Aoun said, reiterating that the framework agreement cannot be implemented unilaterally.

He noted that a primary objective of his trip to Athens was to strengthen bilateral relations, viewing Greece as a trusted friend and partner with shared interests within the European Union and international organizations.

Greek President Constantine Tassoulas highlighted the historic Mediterranean ties between the two nations and their mutual commitment to international law, UN principles, and peaceful resolutions. “Greece stands by you in building peace and consolidating an independent Lebanon,” he said, pointing to the recent arrival of a ship carrying Greek military aid to Beirut as evidence of strong bilateral relations.

According to Lebanese authorities, ongoing violence has resulted in more than 4,300 deaths, over 12,000 injuries, and the destruction of dozens of villages since March. Following a seventh round of US-mediated talks earlier this month, the next discussions are anticipated in September, though no official date has been finalized.

During his visit to Athens, Mr Aoun also held meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.