Aoun urges Vatican to press Israel on Lebanon withdrawal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday urged Pope Leo XIV to continue diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel into implementing a US-mediated framework agreement, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory and an end to ongoing attacks, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.

Vatican meetings

Aoun made the appeal during a visit to the Vatican, where he held a private meeting with the pope for approximately half an hour before talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Foreign Minister Archbishop Richard Gallagher. The discussions addressed political and economic conditions in Lebanon as well as Israeli attacks on villages, infrastructure and civilians, the presidency said. Aoun arrived at the Apostolic Palace at 9:30 am local time.

Framework agreement under pressure

The visit comes amid continued Israeli violations in Lebanon despite the signing of the framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26. The deal provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups — a reference to Hezbollah.

Since March 2, Israel has continued its assault on Lebanon, killing more than 4,000 people and injuring over 12,000 others while displacing more than 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon — some for decades and others since the 2023-2024 assault — while its forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current offensive.

Sovereignty appeal

The Lebanese presidency quoted Aoun as calling on the Holy See to support reconstruction efforts following complete withdrawal. "President Aoun also called on the Holy Father and the Apostolic See to support Lebanon in achieving the complete Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories, paving the way for the reconstruction," the statement said.

"These steps must coincide with the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over all its territories and the monopoly of the decision of war and peace in its hands, as the sole path to achieving security and stability on the borders," he added.