The Prime Minister pointed out that the Lebanese state is in the first phase of the disarmament plan, which includes the area south of the Litani River. In official statements, Salam mentioned that there is a broad political consensus on the necessity of a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories, asserting that the state has regained exclusive control over decisions of war and peace. This was a direct reference to Hezbollah’s rejection of any Lebanese negotiations with Israel.
A statement carried by the National News Agency explained that its forces had observed several Israeli air raids within its operational scope south of the Litani, emphasizing that such attacks threaten civilian safety and undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting political solution.
UNIFIL also urged all Lebanese parties to avoid any responses that might escalate the field situation, stressing the importance of Lebanon and Israel adhering to the provisions of Resolution 1701 and the understandings reached last November to maintain calm and prevent the collapse of the diplomatic course.
Minister Michel Mansour, for his part, emphasized the necessity of exerting pressure on the Israeli enemy to begin implementing Resolution 1701. This would allow the Lebanese army to complete the first phase of its plan, which will serve as a model for the application of subsequent phases and the extension of state authority over the entire Lebanese territory.
