Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday held discussions with Army Commander General Rudolf Haykal over the country’s security environment, with special attention given to developments in southern Lebanon amid continued Israeli military operations. According to a statement shared by the Lebanese Presidency on X, the meeting focused on the broader security situation across Lebanon, particularly in the southern regions affected by ongoing Israeli attacks on several towns and villages.

“President General Joseph Aoun discussed with Army Commander General Rudolf the security situation in the country in general and in the South in particular, in light of the ongoing Israeli attacks on a number of southern villages and towns,” the presidency said. The talks also covered preparations for the Lebanese Army’s deployment plans, operational requirements, and the responsibilities being carried out by military personnel across the country.

The two officials reviewed steps to implement the agreed framework in designated trial areas, where Lebanese forces are expected to move in alongside an Israeli withdrawal. Discussions also included the condition of the military institution and the requirements of army personnel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had discovered and destroyed weapons facilities allegedly linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon’s security zone. The Israeli military claimed the sites contained launchers, machine guns, explosives, missiles, and other weapons that were intended for use against Israeli troops and civilians.

The IDF stated that its forces dismantled the facilities and removed the weapons found at the locations. The developments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces would remain deployed in Lebanon for as long as necessary. He also issued a warning to Iran amid rising regional tensions following the collapse of a US-Iran ceasefire arrangement.

Speaking at an Israeli Air Force graduation ceremony at Hatzerim Air Base, Netanyahu said Israel’s air superiority remains a key element of its national security strategy. He asserted that Iran had suffered significant setbacks but warned that new challenges were emerging. Netanyahu said Israel’s policy remains focused on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, adding that the conflict was not yet over and that his government was preparing for possible future scenarios. His remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire had ended and criticised further diplomatic discussions with Tehran following military exchanges between the two countries.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@LBpresidency.