Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is intensifying pressure on the Lebanese government to establish a definitive timetable for Israel’s withdrawal from the country, as Hezbollah’s leader, Neaim Qassem, vehemently criticizes the government’s pursuit of a negotiated settlement with Israel, accusing it of exposing the Lebanese army to disgrace and jeopardizing its security. This escalation comes amidst ongoing military activity in southern Lebanon, particularly concerning village demolitions, bulldozed farmland, and forest fires, all of which are viewed as violations of Lebanese sovereignty by Hezbollah. Salam met with United States Ambassador to Beirut, Michel Issa, and General Joseph Clearfield on Friday to discuss the military trajectory of the negotiation framework with Israel, alongside the latest developments in the region, specifically concerning the deployment of Israeli forces to pilot areas. The prime minister’s office released a statement outlining Salam’s demand for a clear timetable, emphasizing the need for Israel to cease all destructive operations and formally halt the withdrawal from Lebanese territory, a request that has been met with significant resistance from Hezbollah. According to a statement released by the prime minister’s office, Salam convened separate meetings with Speaker Nabih Berri to reiterate this critical demand. Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, independently confirmed the same stance with US officials, stating that Israel has not stopped its violations and attacks on Lebanon, citing continued village demolitions, bulldozed farmland, forest fires, and damage to heritage sites, highlighting a persistent pattern of hostile action. The key point of contention, according to Hezbollah, is the lack of a concrete timetable for Israel’s withdrawal, which they accuse of forcing Lebanon to adhere to an oversight body controlling the army’s deployment and internal operations. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem vehemently challenged the government’s approach, claiming that the negotiations are being conducted without a clear plan for future steps. He pointed to a lack of progress in achieving any significant achievement from the seven rounds of negotiations, asserting that the Lebanese army remains under ‘undue pressure’ and effectively acting as a defensive force rather than a protector. The June trilateral framework, which includes the US as a party, stipulates a disarmament of Hezbollah and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, where Israel currently occupies several areas. The gap between the two sides remains substantial, with Israel continuing to occupy several towns inside the Lebanese border and demolishing homes and displacing residents. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that Israel would not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed, emphasizing that Israeli forces currently occupy multiple towns inside the Lebanese border. The Israeli military has maintained a continued occupation of southern Lebanon, including demolitions and displacement of residents, a situation that has sparked widespread condemnation from international observers. The next round of talks is currently scheduled for early September, with authorities reporting that the June trilateral framework has been significantly strained and that the situation remains unresolved. Hezbollah has stated that Israel’s attacks since March 2 have killed 4,335 people, wounded 12,277 and displaced over a million people. The situation continues to be a major source of concern for regional and international actors, with observers warning of potential escalation and continued instability in the region.
Source: Al Jazeera
