Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, urged the United States to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on southern Lebanese villages and towns.
Aoun discussed in the call the general situation in Lebanon and the region in light of recent developments, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.
He called on Israel to abide by the terms of a framework agreement signed with Lebanon and refrain from targeting farmers in southern Lebanon, stressing the need to ensure their safe access to agricultural land.
Aoun also said the Lebanese army and security forces were fully carrying out their duties in implementing decisions to prevent armed displays, seize weapons and ammunition, and combat smuggling.
The phone call came amid continued tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border despite the framework agreement signed in June. Israel says it operations are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah threats. ■