US pressing Israel? Lebanon's president's request to stop the strikes - and the call with Netanyahu

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu after Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun requested pressure on Israel to halt strikes in southern Lebanon. Aoun claimed the Lebanese army is confiscating weapons and preventing armed presence, and asked that farmers be allowed access to their lands without strikes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke on Thursday evening with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after holding a phone call with Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun. In his call with Aoun, the two discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region in light of recent developments, particularly the situation in southern Lebanon. During the call, Lebanon's president asked Rubio to exert pressure on Israel to stop the strikes in the south of the country and to abide by the provisions of the framework agreement. Aoun also asked to halt the clearing operations in the areas and to allow farmers to reach their lands without being exposed to strikes or harassment. Aoun clarified to Rubio that the Lebanese army and the country's security forces are fulfilling their role in implementing the decisions meant to prevent armed presence, confiscate weapons and ammunition, and combat smuggling. According to him, the steps taken in recent days are part of these efforts. Lebanon's president added that the judicial authorities are following all the cases transferred to them, and stressed that there will be no leniency toward those responsible for violations. According to him, the law will be enforced impartially and without preference for any party.