Aany security vacuum in the south constitutes a pretext for attacks, says Aoun

President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun chaired an afternoon security meeting today at Baabda Palace, attended by the Army Commander, the General Director of Internal Security Forces, the General Director of General Security, the General Director of State Security, the General Director of Civil Defense, the Director of Intelligence, the Head of the Information Branch in Internal Security Forces, the Head of the Information Affairs Office in General Security, and the Deputy General Director of State Security.

The meeting focused on the security situation in the south generally and in the Nabatiye region specifically, where security leaders presented detailed reports on conditions in the area from various perspectives.

During the meeting, President Aoun stressed that any security vacuum in the south constitutes a pretext for attacks and a violation of national sovereignty, noting that the security presence in Nabatiye is linked to Lebanon’s state commitments and its negotiating position regarding Israel, as maintaining internal security strengthens Lebanon’s official stance.

President Aoun spoke about the role of the army, stating it is the backbone of stability in the region, and that its work complements and integrates with that of other security agencies, highlighting its role in protecting infrastructure and vital roads and securing the return of residents to their towns.

President Aoun underscored the importance of constant coordination between General Security, State Security, Internal Security Forces, and Civil Defense to avoid duplication of effort and overlapping mandates, emphasizing the need for regular assessment of the current situation, urging security agencies to assume their responsibilities, and affirming that the security of Nabatiye and areas not under Israeli occupation is an inseparable part of Lebanon’s overall security.

In another matter, President Aoun reaffirmed his support for military personnel and their rights, both retired and currently serving, as the sacrifices made by the army and security forces are not confined to a specific period, calling for balancing state capabilities and resources against the rights of military personnel, working to fulfill achievable demands while preserving fiscal balance and the government’s steps toward restoring financial and economic recovery.