Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed that his country will not sign any agreement with Israel unless it includes a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
He also stressed his rejection of any security arrangements that impose a “buffer zone,”
which could prevent residents from returning to their villages.
Reject any arrangements that infringe upon sovereignty
In an interview with the Washington Post, Salam explained that Lebanon cannot accept security arrangements
that maintain buffer zones or restrict the right of displaced persons to return to their homes.
He considered this a violation of national sovereignty.
The Lebanese Prime Minister called on the US administration to pressure Israel to reduce
its demands and end its military operations inside Lebanon.
He also noted that his country has taken internal steps, including controlling weapons
and strengthening the state’s monopoly on the use of force.
Supporting the Lebanese army
In a related context, Salam called on France and other countries to provide additional support to the Lebanese army,
both in terms of equipment and training.
This comes amid the difficult economic conditions facing the military institution.
He also stressed that strengthening the army’s capabilities is a national priority.
These statements coincide with Washington hosting a new round of indirect negotiations
between Lebanon and Israel under US auspices.
In this context, there are Lebanese calls to extend the ceasefire to allow more space
for diplomatic solutions and to avoid military escalation in the south.
