Aoun, Berri, and Salam Affirm Unified Lebanese Stance, Call for Full Israeli Withdrawal
2/18/2025 12:00:00 PM
Following an extraordinary meeting at Baabda Palace President of the Republic Joseph Aoun, Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, issued a joint statement reaffirming Lebanon’s unified national position regarding Israeli violations along the southern border.
The leaders stressed the urgent need for Israel’s full withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in accordance with international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They reiterated Lebanon’s full commitment to the resolution while condemning Israel’s ongoing breaches.
The statement 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.
Referring to the US-French joint statement of November 26, 2024, which outlined a phased Israeli withdrawal within 60 days, the officials condemned Israel’s failure to uphold its commitments. Consequently, they announced steps to:
1. Appeal to the UN Security Council to enforce Resolution 1701 and compel Israel’s immediate withdrawal.
2. Consider any continued Israeli presence on Lebanese soil as occupation, with legal consequences under international law.
3. Pursue full implementation of the November 27 agreement through Lebanon’s technical military committee and the tripartite mechanism.
4. Engage with international monitors and the Red Cross to secure the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
The statement concluded with a firm assertion of Lebanon’s sovereign rights and its determination to use all available means to ensure Israel’s withdrawal.
The leaders stressed the urgent need for Israel’s full withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory in accordance with international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They reiterated Lebanon’s full commitment to the resolution while condemning Israel’s ongoing breaches.
The statement 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.
Referring to the US-French joint statement of November 26, 2024, which outlined a phased Israeli withdrawal within 60 days, the officials condemned Israel’s failure to uphold its commitments. Consequently, they announced steps to:
1. Appeal to the UN Security Council to enforce Resolution 1701 and compel Israel’s immediate withdrawal.
2. Consider any continued Israeli presence on Lebanese soil as occupation, with legal consequences under international law.
3. Pursue full implementation of the November 27 agreement through Lebanon’s technical military committee and the tripartite mechanism.
4. Engage with international monitors and the Red Cross to secure the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
The statement concluded with a firm assertion of Lebanon’s sovereign rights and its determination to use all available means to ensure Israel’s withdrawal.