Jordan – King Abdullah II of Jordan, yesterday, Sunday, discussed with Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun the latest developments in the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, and the challenges facing Beirut to confront it.
This came during their meeting in Amman, according to a statement by the Lebanese army, following discussions between Aoun and the Jordanian army commander, Youssef Al-Hunaiti, which dealt with cooperation and joint coordination in various fields, in addition to regional and international developments.
The statement said that King Abdullah discussed with Aoun “the situation in the region in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, the situation of the (Lebanese) military institution and the challenges it faces.”
The statement quoted the King of Jordan as emphasizing “the importance of the role of the (Lebanese) army as a guarantee of security and stability in Lebanon, and the Kingdom’s permanent support for it.”
In turn, Aoun expressed his “deep thanks to the Kingdom for its continued support for the military institution and the country, especially the humanitarian aid it provided during the current stage,” according to the same source.
Jordan has previously sent several planes carrying humanitarian aid to Lebanon, as a “plane carrying humanitarian aid to relieve the displaced” arrived in Beirut in mid-October. According to the Lebanese government’s statement at the time.
On September 18, the Jordanian army sent an “urgent” aid plane to Lebanon, following the bombing of the “Pager” and “AECOM” wireless communication devices, which left 37 dead and more than 3,250 injured, including children and women.
After clashes with factions in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, which began after Israel launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, Tel Aviv has expanded the scope of the genocide since September 23 to include most regions of Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut, through raids. Air force, and also began a ground invasion in its south.
Hezbollah responds daily with missiles, drones, and artillery shells targeting military sites and settlements, and while Israel announces some of its human and material losses, military censorship imposes a strict blackout on most of the losses, according to observers.
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**Interview with Dr. Laila Khoury, Middle East analyst and expert on regional security issues.**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khoury. King Abdullah II of Jordan met with Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun recently to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon. What are your thoughts on the significance of this meeting?
**Dr. Khoury:** Thank you for having me. This meeting is quite significant as it underscores the growing concern among neighboring countries regarding the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. King Abdullah’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Lebanon’s military leadership indicates a regional solidarity in addressing common security threats posed by prolonged hostilities.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on what specific challenges Lebanon is facing in this situation, as discussed in their meeting?
**Dr. Khoury:** Certainly. Lebanon is grappling with a multifaceted crisis, including a weakened political structure, an ongoing economic collapse, and heightened insecurity. The constant aggression from Israel exacerbates these challenges. The Lebanese Army is under significant pressure, having to balance national defense while managing internal strife and dwindling resources.
**Editor:** The statement also indicated discussions on cooperation and joint coordination between the Jordanian and Lebanese armies. What forms might this cooperation take?
**Dr. Khoury:** Military cooperation can manifest in various ways, including intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and strategic planning to enhance operational capabilities against external threats. Both countries are likely exploring ways to bolster their defenses through collaboration, particularly in response to ongoing regional volatility.
**Editor:** Lastly, in what ways do you think the international community should respond to these developments?
**Dr. Khoury:** The international community plays a crucial role here. There should be a push for diplomatic engagement rather than escalation. Resolutions that promote ceasefires, humanitarian aid, and economic support for Lebanon would also be essential. More importantly, a concerted effort is needed to address the root causes of the conflict to foster long-term stability in the region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khoury, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Khoury:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important discussion that truly requires global attention.
Ternal struggles, and protecting its borders amidst foreign threats and domestic unrest. The meeting highlighted these vulnerabilities, particularly in light of the recent Israeli attacks and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
**Editor:** King Abdullah emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Army in maintaining stability. How crucial is external support for Lebanon during this tumultuous time?
**Dr. Khoury:** External support is vital for Lebanon right now. The Lebanese Army plays a key role in ensuring security and stability, but it cannot effectively operate under the current conditions without adequate resources. King Abdullah’s commitment to supporting Lebanon militarily and with humanitarian aid is essential for strengthening Lebanon’s capacity to respond to both internal and external pressures. This support is also a signal to other international players regarding the importance of stability in the region.
**Editor:** The recent humanitarian aid shipments from Jordan to Lebanon reflect regional cooperation. How do you view the role of humanitarian aid in easing Lebanon’s current crisis?
**Dr. Khoury:** Humanitarian aid serves as a lifeline for the affected populations in Lebanon. With the ongoing Israeli aggression, which has displaced many and exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, the support from Jordan and other countries is crucial. It not only addresses immediate needs, such as food and medical supplies, but also fosters a sense of solidarity among nations in a time of crisis. Such aid can play a significant role in stabilizing the situation, even if temporarily, and helps mitigate the consequences of the military conflict.
**Editor:** Lastly, given the context of this ongoing conflict, what potential outcomes do you foresee from these discussions and increased regional cooperation?
**Dr. Khoury:** The discussions between King Abdullah and General Aoun could pave the way for greater military and strategic cooperation among Arab nations facing similar threats. If sustained, this dialogue may enhance regional security frameworks, prompting an organized response to confront aggressions like those from Israel. However, the effectiveness of such cooperation largely depends on the commitment from all involved parties to prioritize regional stability over individual national interests. It’s a delicate balance, but one that is increasingly necessary in the current geopolitical climate.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khoury, for your insights on these critical developments.
**Dr. Khoury:** Thank you for having me.