Photo source : https://x.com/AlsisiOfficial
Cairo, Egypt – 20 May 2025
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Cairo on Tuesday, emphasizing the deep historical ties between the two nations and discussing pressing regional issues, including the conflicts in Gaza and Syria, as well as Lebanon’s economic and security challenges.
El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon during a high-profile meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, condemning what he described as “repeated violations of Arab territorial integrity.”
Strengthening Egypt-Lebanon Relations
In his opening remarks, President El-Sisi described Lebanon as Egypt’s “second homeland” and praised the enduring bond between the two countries.
“President Aoun’s visit comes at a critical juncture amid highly complex regional circumstances,” El-Sisi stated. “It reaffirms the depth and resilience of Egyptian-Lebanese relations at all levels and underscores the close ties between our peoples and governments.”
The leaders discussed enhancing cooperation, particularly in trade and reconstruction efforts, with Egypt offering its expertise to support Lebanon’s economic recovery. El-Sisi also reiterated Egypt’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, condemning Israeli violations of Lebanese territory and calling for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to solidify Lebanon’s control over its southern regions.
Gaza Crisis and new Syria regime
The talks also addressed the ongoing war in Gaza, with both leaders urging an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid.
“We stressed the urgent need to end the aggression against Gaza and resume the truce agreement,” El-Sisi said. He rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians or undermine their cause, calling for international recognition of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On Syria, El-Sisi and Aoun reaffirmed their support for a political solution to the conflict, opposing foreign interference and sectarian divisions. They condemned Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Syrian land.
Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Security Challenges
While the meeting focused on diplomatic and economic cooperation, Lebanon’s internal security dynamics—particularly the role of Hezbollah, which maintains significant military influence—loomed in the background. Hezbollah, designated a terrorist group by many Western nations, has been engaged in cross-border clashes with Israel since the start of the Gaza war.
El-Sisi did not directly address Hezbollah’s role but emphasized the need for Lebanon’s state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), to maintain control. The LAF, though outgunned by Hezbollah, remains a key recipient of U.S. and international military aid.
Hezbollah: A Key Player in Lebanon’s Political and Military Landscape
Photo source : https://moqawama.org.lb/
Amid discussions on regional security, the role of Hezbollah—the Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite political and militant group—remained a critical factor in Lebanon’s stability.
Hezbollah (Party of God’) was founded in 1982 in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and has since evolved into a dominant force in Lebanese politics and military affairs. With an armed wing, the Jihad Council, and a political bloc in Lebanon’s parliament, Hezbollah wields significant influence, often surpassing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
Hezbollah’s arsenal includes more than 150,000 rockets, drones, and advanced anti-tank missiles, making it one of the most formidable non-state military forces in the world. The group played a decisive role in the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel and later intervened in the Syrian Civil War, backing President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Since October 2023, Hezbollah has engaged in near-daily clashes with Israel, leading to a full-scale invasion of southern Lebanon before a fragile ceasefire took hold.
Beyond its military operations, Hezbollah operates an extensive social services network, including hospitals, schools, and media outlets like Al-Manar TV. However, its dominance has sparked domestic criticism, particularly after the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which many blamed on Hezbollah-linked negligence.
While Hezbollah is seen by some as a resistance movement, it is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, and Arab states due to its attacks, including the 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut and alleged involvement in Rafic Hariri’s assassination in 2005.
Egypt’s Stance: Sovereignty and Regional Stability
President El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and called for full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which requires Hezbollah’s disarmament. He also demanded an end to Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon and Syria’s Golan Heights, while urging international pressure on Israel to halt its military campaigns in Gaza.
El-Sisi urged the international community to assist in Lebanon’s reconstruction, warning that instability in Lebanon could further destabilize the region.
“Egypt will remain by Lebanon’s side in all efforts to maintain its stability and sovereignty,” he declared, expressing hope that Lebanon could reclaim its historic role as a beacon of culture and coexistence in the Arab world.
The meeting highlighted Egypt’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts and its commitment to Lebanon’s stability. However, with Lebanon facing economic collapse, political paralysis, and the threat of wider war with Israel, the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
As President Aoun concluded his visit, both leaders emphasized unity, but the question remains whether diplomatic efforts can outweigh the volatile forces shaping the Middle East today.
