Lebanon PM Mikati Ready to Boost Military Presence to 11,000 Troops, Upholding UN Resolution 1701 After Ceasefire with Israel

Oct 15, 2024, 12:19 PM

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced the country's readiness to enhance its military presence in southern Lebanon, contingent upon a ceasefire agreement with Israel. He stated that the Lebanese army could increase its troop deployment from the current 4,500 to between 7,000 and 11,000. Mikati emphasized the importance of adhering to UN Resolution 1701 to prevent further destruction and asserted Lebanon's sovereignty over its territory in line with the Taif Agreement and the Lebanese constitution. Additionally, he noted that the Lebanese state is prepared to cooperate with UN peacekeeping forces in the region, amidst reports of brief cross-border incursions by Israeli troops.