Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has told the US Central Command (Centcom) chief that he is committed to extending the state’s control through its military up to the border with Israel, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence, AFP reports.

He reaffirmed to Admiral Brad Cooper “the Lebanese state’s determination to extend its authority, through its armed forces, to the southern border”, the presidency says in a statement, adding that the pair discussed preparations for implementing a framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel and the US.