Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held an emergency meeting at the Baabda Presidential Palace with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to address the latest developments along Lebanon’s southern border and the escalating Israeli violations.
The leaders reaffirmed Lebanon’s unified national stance, emphasizing the urgent need for Israeli occupation forces’ full withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories in accordance with international treaties and UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701. They also reiterated Lebanon’s full commitment to the resolution in its entirety while condemning Israel’s repeated breaches of its provisions.
Lebanese Army’s Role in Defending Sovereignty
The participants highlighted the essential role of the Lebanese Army, affirming its complete readiness to assume full responsibilities along the internationally recognized borders. This step is crucial to safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting the residents of southern Lebanon, and ensuring their security and stability.
Citing International Commitments
The meeting also recalled the joint statement issued by the Presidents of the United States and France on November 26, 2024, which reaffirmed commitments to security arrangements and the implementation of Resolution 1701.
The leaders specifically noted the statement’s declaration: “The United States and France will work with the Israeli enemy and Lebanon to ensure the full implementation of this arrangement.”
Additionally, they referenced Clause 12 of the same statement, which explicitly outlined “the implementation of a detailed plan for the phased withdrawal and redeployment between Israeli Occupation Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces within a maximum of 60 days.” Clause 13 further emphasized that “the United States and France understand that the Israeli enemy and Lebanon will accept the above commitments in parallel with this declaration.”
Video shows Israeli enemy carries out a massive explosion in the southern town of Kfar Shouba on Feb. 18, 2025
Lebanon’s Next Steps in Response to Israeli Violations
In light of the Israeli enemy’s continued evasion of its commitments and persistent violations of international agreements, the Lebanese leadership announced the following measures:
- Appealing to the UN Security Council—Lebanon will formally request the Council, which endorsed Resolution 1701, to take necessary actions against Israeli violations and enforce an immediate Israeli withdrawal to the internationally recognized borders in line with the resolution and related declarations.
- Reaffirming Israel’s Presence as an Occupation: The continued Israeli presence on any part of Lebanese territory is deemed an occupation, carrying all legal consequences under international law.
- Pursuing Full Implementation of the November 27 Declaration: Lebanon will persist in its efforts through the Military Technical Committee and the Tripartite Mechanism to ensure the complete application of the declaration.
- Negotiating for the Release of Lebanese Prisoners: Lebanon will engage in discussions with the International Monitoring Committee and the International Red Cross to secure the release of Lebanese detainees held by the Israeli enemy.
Finally, the Lebanese leadership reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to its full national rights and sovereignty over all its territories, asserting Lebanon’s right to employ all necessary means to ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces.
Source: Al-Manar Website
