Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Makes Surprise Visit to Nabatieh
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the southern city of Nabatieh to assert state sovereignty in a "Hezbollah" stronghold, emphasizing national security and military deployment.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made a surprise visit on Saturday to the southern city of Nabatieh, considered a key stronghold of "Hezbollah". Arriving under heavy security, Aoun visited local government offices just days after ordering the military and security forces to step up their presence in the region.
The visit comes at a sensitive time following recent Israeli strikes in the area and a deepening domestic debate in Lebanon over state sovereignty in the south. On Thursday, Aoun addressed residents directly, stating that the state must return to the south and that ensuring the security of the region is a collective national duty.
Strengthening State Presence
During his visit, Aoun emphasized that state institutions must provide southern residents with the conditions necessary to remain in their homes. He called on all government ministries to participate in the effort, declaring that the south is an essential part of Lebanon.
The time has come for the state to return to the south. This is the responsibility of all of us and our duty toward our people, Aoun stated.
In recent days, Lebanese security apparatuses have resumed patrols and established checkpoints in Nabatieh to bolster public safety. Aoun met with security chiefs to discuss expanding state operations in the region to counter security vacuums that could invite foreign intervention.
Security and Negotiations
Addressing the regional escalation, Aoun noted that any security vacuum in the south serves as a pretext for Israeli attacks and violations of national sovereignty. He maintained that deploying state forces is directly tied to Lebanon's commitments and its standing in ongoing diplomatic engagements.
At the same time, Aoun strongly criticized Israeli military activity, describing ongoing strikes and destruction as unjustified actions that undermine de-escalation efforts. Through his visit, the Lebanese president sought to demonstrate state authority within a traditional "Hezbollah" stronghold while signaling to international mediators that Beirut aims to consolidate control in the south.
