Lebanese officials are demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory up to internationally recognized borders, framing the ongoing cross-border conflict as an external crisis imposed against the nation’s will. Nawaf Salam outlined the government’s official stance, emphasizing that Lebanon’s sovereignty remains indivisible and that state authorities must exclusively hold all weapons and decision-making power.
Lebanon Demands Total Israeli Withdrawal and Monopoly on Arms
Nawaf stated that Lebanon expects Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory in accordance with the 1949 General Armistice Agreement and Resolution 1701. According to the statements, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah was imposed upon Lebanon despite repeated warnings regarding the dangers of regional entanglements.
“No one speaks for Lebanon, and no one negotiates on its behalf except the Lebanese state through its constitutional institutions,” Nawaf emphasized.
Enforcing State Authority Across Southern Territory
The government is actively pushing to monopolize both weapons and national decision-making. Nawaf noted that extending state authority over the entirety of Lebanese territory through its own forces is a prerequisite for true sovereignty.
“A state does not regain the trust of its citizens through reform alone, but also by reclaiming its national decision-making,” he said, adding that decisions on war and peace must rest solely with constitutional institutions.
Condemning Iranian Aggression and UNRWA Funding Cuts
Addressing wider regional dynamics, Nawaf condemned the Islamic regime in Iran for attacks on Arab states. Lebanon renewed its solidarity with Arab Gulf states and Jordan against Iranian attacks that threaten regional security as well as the freedom and safety of shipping.
On the Palestinian issue, Nawaf claimed that the United Nations’ inability to resolve the situation stands squarely in the way of lasting regional stability. He cautioned that recent efforts to cut funding to UNRWA do not end the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Instead, he argued, funding reductions compound refugee suffering, jeopardize prospects for a just solution, and increase the burden on host countries, with Lebanon bearing the heaviest impact.
Diplomatic Stalls and Oversight Frameworks
Nawaf stressed that any monitoring force should ensure the continuation of monitoring, reporting, and liaison functions while complementing the requirements of the tripartite framework.
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