Lebanon President Says Israeli Withdrawal 'Non-negotiable'

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declared Israel's withdrawal from the country's south a "non-negotiable" demand, emphasizing that Lebanese authorities will pursue this through negotiations. Speaking on the anniversary of Israel's 2000 withdrawal from Lebanon, Aoun lamented the current situation, stating that "Israeli attacks have not stopped and our dear southern villages are still suffering under a renewed occupation."

“

this year, the anniversary of the liberation comes as Lebanon is weighed down by a painful reality. Israeli attacks have not stopped and our dear southern villages are still suffering under a renewed occupation.

Israeli troops, who entered Lebanon during the latest conflict with Hezbollah, are reportedly operating within a self-declared "yellow line" approximately 10 kilometers deep into Lebanese territory. Despite a ceasefire in effect since April 17, Israel's military has conducted significant strikes beyond this zone. "Lebanon will not accept this reality," Aoun asserted, adding that "The path to a full Israeli withdrawal will remain an uncompromised, constant national demand that the Lebanese state works to achieve through the option of negotiations."

“

Lebanon will not accept this reality. The path to a full Israeli withdrawal will remain an uncompromised, constant national demand that the Lebanese state works to achieve through the option of negotiations.

Lebanon and Israel are engaged in US-brokered talks, with a fourth round anticipated in early June, following a military delegation meeting at the Pentagon. However, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has reiterated his opposition to direct talks and the group's refusal to disarm, while continuing attacks on Israeli targets. Qassem criticized the Lebanese government's perceived inability to guarantee sovereignty, questioning its effectiveness if the U.S. dictates state operations.

“

If this government is incapable of guaranteeing sovereignty, it should go. Where is the sovereignty if America runs the cogs of the Lebanese state?

President Aoun clarified that negotiations are "neither a concession nor a surrender," framing the liberation of the south as a "duty borne by the state with the support of its people." Lebanese authorities have previously committed to disarming Hezbollah and prohibiting its military activities. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Hezbollah's calls to overthrow the Lebanese government, accusing the group of seeking to plunge the country back into chaos.

“

The liberation of the south is a duty borne by the state with the support of its people.