Lebanon urges US lawmakers to press Israel to withdraw, halt attacks
Senators Markwayne Mullin and Joni Ernst, both Republicans, met with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam during a trip to Beirut.
Aoun said the Lebanese army needed support to be able to fulfill its national duty and emphasized the necessity of working to achieve a complete Israeli withdrawal, halting its attacks inside Lebanon, and releasing prisoners it continues to hold.
Following the year-long war between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, a ceasefire was agreed last November. However, both sides continue to accuse one another of violating the truce.
The Lebanese government recently adopted a plan to disarm Hezbollah and all other non-state actors inside the country. The Iran-backed group, as well as Tehran, slammed the decision, with Hezbollah vowing never to give up its weapons.
In a separate meeting, Salam briefed the US lawmakers on his government's approval of financial and institutional reforms, including the decision to assert the state monopoly over all arms in the country.
Salam also said the increasing support for the Lebanese army would help contribute to stability and security.
During a recent operation in south Lebanon, UNIFIL peacekeepers, in close coordination with @LebarmyOfficial, discovered a tunnel of approximately 50 meters and several unexploded ordnances near Al Qusayr. In line with resolution 1701, the findings were handed over to the LAF. pic.twitter.com/BxBplFKtgy
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) August 20, 2025
As for the UN peacekeeping force, which needs a mandate renewal later this month, Salam highlighted its importance. He said UNIFIL was vital to efforts to extend the Lebanese state's authority over all territories in the southern, previously a Hezbollah stronghold.
On Wednesday, UNIFIL said it had discovered an underground tunnel of approximately 50 meters and several unexploded ordnances in southern Lebanon.
Salam echoed the Lebanese president's comments on the need for Washington to pressure Israel to halt its attacks, withdraw from the five occupied points in southern Lebanon and release Lebanese prisoners it is holding.
The visiting US delegation was in Beirut after a trip to Damascus to meet Syria's president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Salam stressed the importance of Syria's unity and stability, his office said.
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