Lebanon working towards 'complete Israeli withdrawal'

Lebanon is actively pursuing a "complete Israeli withdrawal" from occupied territories, according to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. His statement came during a visit to Zawtar al-Gharbiya, a village where the Lebanese army recently deployed following the war with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Salam emphasized that Lebanon will continue its political and diplomatic efforts to achieve this full withdrawal. This initiative follows a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump, where the urgent need for Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory was stressed. A US-sponsored agreement signed last month outlines the disarming of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated "pilot zones" for subsequent Lebanese deployment.

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We will continue mobilising our political and diplomatic efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from the south.

However, Hezbollah has consistently rejected this agreement and refuses to surrender its weapons. Tensions remain, with the Lebanese military reporting Israeli forces firing near deploying troops in Zawtar al-Gharbiya. Israel stated these were warning shots into the air after Lebanese soldiers entered an unauthorized area.

Hezbollah's involvement in the conflict, stemming from attacks on Israel in support of Tehran on March 2, led to significant Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion. Despite the destruction, particularly in the south, violence has decreased since the recent framework agreement between the US and Iran, and the Lebanon-Israel deal. Over 700,000 displaced individuals have reportedly returned home. In Zawtar al-Gharbiya, residents await army clearance to check on their homes, expressing confidence in the army's presence. The military has advised caution until the security situation stabilizes, while conducting sweeps in the town.

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We will enter the town with our heads held high, thanks to the presence of the Lebanese army.