Lebanon Declares Any Remaining Israeli Presence as Occupation, Vows to Expel Forces
Israeli armed vehicles in Lebanon Photo: times of Israel
February 18, 2025 Hour: 2:37 pm
During a high-level meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Presidential Spokesperson Najat Charafeddine declared that Lebanon will consider any remaining Israeli presence on its territory as occupation and has the right to use all available means to secure their expulsion and reclaim national lands.
Unified National Stance and Call for Full Israeli Withdrawal
Following the leaders’ summit, officials reaffirmed Lebanon’s unified national stance and commitment to full sovereignty over its territory. They emphasized that Israel must completely withdraw from all occupied areas, in line with international treaties and UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, which aims to secure peace between the two nations. Lebanese leaders condemned repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli forces.
Lebanese Army to Protect Citizens, UN Security Council Involvement
The Lebanese Army will be deployed to protect civilians, while the government plans to escalate the issue to the UN Security Council, demanding Israel’s full compliance with Resolution 1701.
Additionally, Lebanon will continue negotiations with the International Monitoring Committee and the International Red Cross to secure the release of all Lebanese prisoners held by Israel.
Southern Lebanese Residents Return Amid Military Clearing Operations
Early in the morning, residents of Yarun, Marun al-Ras, Blida, Mays al-Jabal, Hula, Markaba, Adaisseh, Kfar Kila, and Al-Wazzani gathered to return to their towns following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Lebanese citizens rushed back alongside the national army, which worked to clear pathways and remove barriers left by the occupiers.
Israel’s Partial Withdrawal and Continued Presence in Key Areas
Despite announcing a major withdrawal, Israeli forces remain in at least five key locations in southern Lebanon as of February 18, according to reports from The Cradle.
Israeli troops are still positioned in:
- Labbouneh
- Mount Blat
- Owayda Hill
- Aaziyyeh
- Hammamis Hill
Israel Declares Buffer Zone, Lebanon Vows Full Sovereignty
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israeli forces will remain in five strategic outposts as a buffer zone—a clear violation of the November agreements, which Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah has fully honored.
In response, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos stated in a televised press conference that Lebanon will assert full sovereignty over its territory using its own forces.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: The Cradle-Al Arabiya