TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun emphasized that the framework agreement signed by the Lebanese government and Israel does not legitimize the Israeli occupation in Lebanese territory. According to him, the agreement instead serves as a basis for the Lebanese army to expand the country's control over its entire territory.
According to a report by Anadolu, Aoun made the statement when receiving a delegation from the Lebanese University Association, the Lebanese Medical Association, and the Lebanese Maronite Order on Friday, July 3, 2026. During the meeting, he also stressed that the Lebanese government made sovereign decisions without relying on the dynamics of Iran-US relations.
"Our sovereign decision to separate our track from the Iranian-US track is a problem for some who have become accustomed to being under guardianship that controls us, decides for us and negotiates on our behalf," Aoun said.
Aoun stated that the formula of the agreement was not intended to recognize the ongoing Israeli occupation in Lebanon. On the contrary, the agreement provides space for the Lebanese army to expand its control over the entire country.
"The framework formula does not legitimize the continued Israeli occupation of Lebanon, but provides for empowering the Lebanese army to extend its control over all Lebanese territory," he said.
He added that no one doubts the role of the Lebanese army. According to Aoun, the military will fully assume responsibility for maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon after the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Gradual Withdrawal of Israeli Forces
Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement mediated by the United States last week. However, the agreement did not specify a schedule for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The Lebanese government referred to the agreement as the first step to restore the sovereignty of the country over the entire Lebanese territory and to allow displaced people to return to their original areas.
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least 4,298 people killed and 12,196 others injured due to Israeli attacks since March 2. Israel still occupies parts of southern Lebanon, including areas it has controlled for years and additional territory seized during the 2023-2024 war.
Criticism from Human Rights Organizations
Meanwhile, as reported by Al Jazeera, six human rights and press freedom organizations criticized the agreement as it was seen to obstruct efforts to hold accountable alleged war crimes during the conflict in Lebanon.
In a joint statement published on Friday, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH), Legal Agenda, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Union of Journalists in Lebanon highlighted clauses 3 and 13 in the agreement signed in the United States on June 26, 2026. They believed that these clauses could hinder Lebanon and Israel from bringing cases to international courts, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Read: Israel Peace Deal Greeted with Skepticism, Fear in Lebanon
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