Lebanese leaders discuss tensions with Israel
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, held an emergency meeting with Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the presidential palace to discuss developments along the southern border amid ongoing Israeli violations.
According to a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed Lebanon’s “unified national stance” and stressed “the need for Israel's full withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories in accordance with international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, which Israel continues to violate.”
The statement also highlighted “the Lebanese Army’s readiness to assume full security responsibilities along the internationally recognized borders, ensuring national sovereignty and the protection of southern residents.”
The attendees further referenced “a joint declaration by the US and French presidents on Nov. 26, 2024, affirming their commitment to working with Israel and Lebanon to implement security arrangements tied to Resolution 1701, including an Israeli withdrawal within 60 days under a detailed plan.”
Stressing that any Israeli presence in Lebanese territory constitutes an occupation with legal consequences under international law, the meeting resolved to urge the UN Security Council to take decisive measures to enforce Israel’s immediate withdrawal to the international border, in accordance with Resolution 1701 and related declarations.
They also underscored the need to continue negotiations with the International Monitoring Committee and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to secure the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
Reaffirming Lebanon’s unwavering commitment to its national rights and full sovereignty over its territory, the attendees pointed out the country’s right to employ all necessary means to ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
A ceasefire has been in place since Nov. 27 to end nearly a year of Israel-Hezbollah clashes, which escalated into open conflict in September 2024. The deal required Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days in exchange for a larger Lebanese army and UNIFIL presence, while Hezbollah agreed to pull back south of the Litani River. Israel later refused to meet the withdrawal deadline, leading to an extension until Feb. 18.
However, Israel demands to maintain in five strategic locations within Lebanese territory. In response, Lebanese officials informed the US mediator of their firm rejection of Israel’s demand, Speaker Berri announced.
