Lebanese President Aoun Reaffirms Saudi Support for Lebanon’s Stability
Aoun also praised Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting Lebanese expatriates who have contributed to the Kingdom’s economic growth.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday highlighted the significance of his visit to Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and express gratitude for the Kingdom’s support in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and institutional integrity.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Aoun at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh with an official reception ceremony. The leaders discussed regional developments and explored ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations. This marked Aoun’s first international visit as president, underlining its diplomatic importance.
Aoun also praised Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting Lebanese expatriates who have contributed to the Kingdom’s economic growth. He expressed optimism that the discussions with the crown prince would lead to deeper collaboration.
Aoun, accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in the afternoon. His delegation is scheduled to depart for Cairo on Tuesday to attend the extraordinary Arab summit.
Lebanese Government’s Reform Commitments
Meanwhile, in Beirut, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing key reforms following last week’s vote of confidence. During a visit to Dar Al-Fatwa, where he met with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, Salam emphasized that efforts were underway to enhance governance and service delivery.
Salam also addressed Lebanon’s ongoing security challenges, pledging to work toward ending Israeli military operations in the country. He assured citizens that the government would prioritize public welfare, economic recovery, and improved relations with Arab and international partners.
“Our primary focus will be on improving living conditions and addressing critical infrastructure issues such as water, electricity, roads, and financial stability, particularly in safeguarding depositors’ funds,” Salam said.
He also stressed the importance of judicial reforms, vowing to ensure justice for detainees awaiting trial, including those held beyond their legal terms.
Escalating Security Concerns
Lebanon’s Interior Ministry has intensified security measures following a Monday meeting led by Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar. The discussions emphasized the need for inter-agency coordination to safeguard public order amid rising lawlessness.
On Sunday night, a fatal shooting in Burj Al-Barajneh claimed the life of Mohammed Wissam Al-Itawi, an uninvolved bystander caught in gunfire between rival gangs. The area’s mayor, Atef Mansour, called for urgent state intervention to curb gang violence linked to theft and drug-related crimes.
“It is time to end this lawlessness by deploying the army and internal security forces effectively,” Mansour said, urging authorities to take decisive action against armed groups threatening public safety.
Border Tensions with Israel
Tensions along Lebanon’s southern border continue to escalate. On Monday, a Lebanese citizen was wounded by Israeli gunfire while inspecting his home in Kfar Kila. Israeli forces remain positioned on five strategic hills inside Lebanese territory and have erected a new earthen barrier near Odaisseh to block residents’ access to their properties.
Israeli troops also carried out an incursion into Al-Abbassieh’s border plain, detaining a Lebanese farmer before releasing him. A day earlier, Israeli soldiers fired on civilians traveling along the Odaisseh–Kfar Kila road.
Meanwhile, Israeli drones flew over Mansouri and Byout Al-Saiyad in southern Lebanon, broadcasting messages accusing Hezbollah of obstructing the Lebanese Army’s enforcement of UN Resolution 1701.
As regional tensions mount, Lebanon faces growing internal and external challenges, underscoring the critical role of diplomatic efforts and government stability in navigating the country’s future.
