Lebanon accuses Israel of blocking international aid for army deployment

Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri has accused Israel of obstructing international efforts to support the Lebanese army during its deployment in southern Lebanon. According to Mitri, several countries have expressed readiness to assist the military as it enters designated pilot zones under a US-backed framework agreement signed in June.

Mitri also criticized Israel’s stance regarding the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), describing the Israeli approach as uncompromising. He emphasized that Lebanon maintains the necessity of an international presence in the south to monitor security developments.

The deployment is part of a security restructuring intended to facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces and strengthen state authority. While UNIFIL’s mandate is set to conclude at the end of this year with a full withdrawal expected by 2027, discussions regarding the future of the peacekeeping mission continue.