Israeli presence is occupation; we'll reclaim our land: Lebanese pres.
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The Lebanese presidency stresses the need for a full Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon and plans to call on the UN Security Council to enforce Resolution 1701.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun smiles upon his arrival at the Lebanese Parliament to be sworn in as a new president, in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2025. (AP)
A statement from the Lebanese presidency on Tuesday emphasized the necessity for Israeli forces to fully withdraw from Southern Lebanon as mandated by the ceasefire agreement.
The statement, issued following a meeting between President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, reaffirmed Lebanon's full commitment to Resolution 1701, despite ongoing Israeli violations.
The statement, delivered by the presidential spokesperson Najat Charafeddine, emphasized the role of the Lebanese Army and its readiness to deploy in Southern Lebanon to ensure the security of its people.
The presidency's statement referenced the joint declaration by the American and French presidents before the ceasefire decision, in which both parties affirmed their collaboration with "Israel" to fully implement Resolution 1701.
It further said that the attendees of the tripartite meeting will seek the UN Security Council to compel the occupation to abide by the resolution. The attendees also discussed the presence of the occupation in the South, and that Lebanon is committed to regaining full control over its land by all means.
The statement highlighted that the attendees will continue negotiations with the International Monitoring Committee and the International Red Cross to secure the release of Lebanese held by "Israel."
In a similar context, Aoun said that "Lebanon is continuing its diplomatic contacts with America and France to complete the Israeli withdrawal from the remaining territories it occupied in the last war," adding that "the Lebanese decision is unified in adopting the diplomatic option because no one wants war."
His remarks came during his reception at Baabda Palace of a delegation from the "Press Club" headed by Bassam Abou Zeid.
On Monday, Aoun stressed that the presidential office is following up on contacts at various levels to push "Israel" to comply with the ceasefire agreement.
At dawn Tuesday, the Israeli occupation army withdrew from all border villages in southern Lebanon, except for five positions where it stated it would maintain a presence. This withdrawal coincides with the expiration of the deadline for implementing the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel."
A security source, speaking anonymously to Agence France-Presse, confirmed, "The Israeli army has withdrawn from all border villages except for five specified locations. The Lebanese Army is gradually deploying, but progress is hindered by the presence of explosives in some areas and damage to the roads."
Additionally, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Southern Lebanon reported on Tuesday morning that Israeli occupation tanks and vehicles had once again advanced into the town of Kfar Chouba.
