Aoun Says Lebanon Deal Restores Army Control

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended the U.S.-mediated Israel-Lebanon framework, saying it does not legitimize Israeli forces' continued presence but empowers the Lebanese Army to extend control over all Lebanese territory. The official Lebanese Presidency post confirms Aoun spoke at Baabda to university, physicians and Maronite Order delegations, said Lebanon chose a sovereign path separate from the Iran-U.S. track, and said the army would secure the south after Israeli withdrawal. The framework requires disarming Iran-backed Hezbollah before subsequent Israeli withdrawal. Israel should welcome real Lebanese sovereignty while insisting that Hezbollah disarmament is verified before northern communities rely on the pledge.