Lebanon will not cede land to Israel, president insists

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has defended the nation's ongoing negotiations with Israel, asserting that the diplomatic process is not a betrayal and that not an inch of Lebanese land will be surrendered. "We will not hand over a single inch of Lebanese territory," Aoun stated firmly.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz had previously announced that Israeli forces would remain in areas designated as a security zone in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip indefinitely. This statement followed Lebanon's signing of a US-backed framework agreement with Israel aimed at paving the way for peace.

The framework agreement proposes a phased handover of control in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army while Hezbollah disarms, with Israel subsequently withdrawing. However, the agreement does not specify a timeline for its implementation. Details are to be elaborated in a security annex, which has not yet been made public.

Despite the diplomatic push, the agreement has faced significant opposition from Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his country's stance, stating troops would remain as long as Hezbollah is perceived as a threat. The conflict escalated on March 2, with Hezbollah launching missile attacks in response to an Israeli-US strike that killed former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Lebanese authorities report over 4,200 casualties from subsequent Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions.

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We will not hand over a single inch of Lebanese territory.