Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that Lebanon will hold discussions this week with members of the UN Security Council regarding proposed alternatives to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), amid ongoing deliberations about the future of international operations in the country’s south.

Speaking to reporters, Salam stressed that the first phase of the state’s plan to consolidate all weapons under government authority cannot be completed without the withdrawal of "Israel" from Lebanese territories it continues to occupy, particularly the Shebaa Farms and Kfar Chouba Hills. He said such a withdrawal remains essential for restoring stability.

Salam added that Lebanon is open to allowing US and French forces to verify concerns about remaining Hezbollah weapons depots in the south, provided that this takes place within established frameworks.

The prime minister expressed hope that the involvement of civilians in the newly adopted Mechanism would help reduce tensions and reinforce stability.

On the question of normalization, Salam said, "Economic (talks) will be a part of normalization, normalization will follow peace. It cannot precede peace," adding, "We are far from being there."

Salam reiterated Lebanon’s adherence to its national and sovereign rights, voicing support for any Arab or international initiative based on international legitimacy and principles of justice in resolving the conflict. He also welcomed Egypt’s ongoing mediation aimed at easing rising tensions.

Lebanon appoints former ambassador as Mechanism delegation chief

This closely follows the earlier appointment of former ambassador to the US Simon Karam as the head of Lebanon's delegation to the Mechanism (IMIM).

The announcement was delivered on December 3 by presidential spokesperson Najat Sharafeddine, who said the decision was made “in adherence to the President’s constitutional oath and responsibilities to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and supreme national interests.”

According to the statement, the move follows efforts by the United States, which chairs the Mechanism, after Washington informed Beirut that the Israeli side had agreed to add a non-military representative to its delegation, a procedural adjustment that has been under discussion in recent weeks.

The presidency noted that the decision came after coordination with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, stressing that Karam’s selection reflects a unified institutional approach to Lebanon’s representation in the upcoming meetings. Karam participated in the Committee’s session in Naqoura on December 3 in his new capacity as head of the Lebanese delegation.