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Lebanon calls on US to press 'Israel' for full withdrawal from South

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Feb 2025 20:55

President Aoun's demand follows "Israel's" partial withdrawal on February 18, which left several strategic areas still occupied, sparking renewed concerns over sovereignty and security.

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Lebanese President Aoun asked aUS congressional delegation to pressure "Israel" to complete its withdrawal from the five occupied points and to continue supporting the Lebanese Army (@LBpresidency)

The Lebanese presidency announced on Friday that President Joseph Aoun urged a US congressional delegation to pressure Washington into pushing "Israel" to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon.

This demand follows "Israel's" partial withdrawal on February 18, which left several strategic areas still occupied, sparking renewed concerns over sovereignty and security.

الرئيس عون طلب من وفد الكونغرس الأميركي أن تمارس واشنطن ضغوطًا على إسرائيل لاستكمال الانسحاب من النقاط الخمس المحتلة، وأن يستمر دعم الجيش اللبناني pic.twitter.com/D6CmcdPJ9c
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) February 21, 2025

Defense Minister General Michel Mansi reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to working closely with UNIFIL, praising its peacekeeping efforts while condemning any attacks on its personnel. During his meeting with UNIFIL's head of mission and commander-in-chief, General Aroldo Lazaro, on Friday, Mansi stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army to ensure full implementation of Resolution 1701.

Mansi further noted the Lebanese Army's crucial role in maintaining security and stability, especially given "Israel's" repeated violations of Resolution 1701 and Lebanese sovereignty. He called for "Israel's" complete withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories, emphasizing the need to safeguard Lebanon's territorial integrity.

Ongoing Israeli Violations

Since the ceasefire's implementation, "Israel" has violated the truce over 1000 times, according to UNIFIL reports. These breaches include over 800 Israeli airspace violations, reflecting a pattern of heightened military activity.

"Israel" continues to occupy five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire agreement and undermining regional stability. Airstrikes have also contributed to the unrest, with a recent incident on January 31 targeting the Bekaa Valley, resulting in two civilian casualties.

Overall, 57 Lebanese civilians have been killed, and 260 properties destroyed due to Israeli actions since the ceasefire took effect. These breaches have raised serious concerns about the durability of the truce and the safety of local populations.

Hezbollah, Amal reject Israeli presence

The ongoing violations have fueled political tensions, prompting Amal Movement and Hezbollah to renew their stance against any Israeli occupation of Lebanese land. During a meeting in southern Lebanon on Thursday, both groups reiterated their demand for a full Israeli withdrawal, asserting Lebanon’s right to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Their joint statement called for resistance against any continued occupation, reflecting a unified political front amidst growing regional instability.