The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has circulated to all Lebanese diplomatic missions abroad a document from the Lebanese government outlining the rules aimed at achieving long-term stability in southern Lebanon. They requested the missions to "conduct the necessary communications with the countries of their accreditation, both at the bilateral level and within Arab ambassadors' councils, to present the Lebanese position based on the elements mentioned in this document."
**Text of the Document:**
The document included the following: "The recent Israeli raid targeting a residential building in the southern suburb of Beirut demonstrates the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon. This attack not only constitutes a significant escalation in an already unstable situation but also represents a blatant violation of international law principles that prohibit targeting densely populated civilian areas through indiscriminate attacks. This attack, occurring against the backdrop of the horrific massacre in Gaza, has increased the risks of a broader conflict that could extend to Lebanon and the region. The Lebanese government believes that a full-scale war can be avoided. The Lebanese government is committed to protecting the safety and security of its citizens and reserves its right to self-defense in accordance with international law. At the same time, the government believes that de-escalation is the most suitable path to avoid a destructive cycle of violence that will be more challenging to contain. However, the government cannot act alone. The international community must play a crucial and immediate role in calming tensions and curbing ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
To achieve de-escalation, the Lebanese government proposes a systematic and organized approach that would provide an alternative to the current chaos. This approach aims fundamentally at restoring stability.
**Short-term Perspective: De-escalation and Cessation of Provocative Actions**
The ongoing escalation of the current conflict, primarily in southern Lebanon, could ignite a widespread conflict with a serious possibility of extending to the region. Ongoing Israeli attacks against Lebanon have resulted in significant loss of life and livelihoods. These attacks have led to the destruction of infrastructure and loss of agricultural land. International organizations estimate that over 90,000 Lebanese have been displaced. In light of these developments, Lebanon remains committed to international law, including international humanitarian law and war laws. All parties must adhere to the principles of proportionality, distinction, and necessity to protect the lives and property of civilians and to avoid further escalation. Lebanon also reserves the right to self-defense in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
Until the full and equitable implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, immediate de-escalation and cessation of provocative actions are needed to mitigate risks and protect civilians. Any activity within this path should not hinder full compliance with Security Council Resolution 1701 nor increase the risk of widespread conflict.
The Lebanese government believes that a ceasefire in Gaza will have an immediate effect in calming tensions in southern Lebanon, paving the way for long-term sustainable stability. In this context, the Lebanese government supports President Biden's ceasefire agreement in Gaza and calls for its immediate implementation in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2735.
The cessation of hostilities in Gaza opens the door for a diplomatic path that the government will fully support. This path aims to address security concerns along the southern borders, including disputes along the Blue Line, and will pave the way for the full implementation of Resolution 1701.
**Medium-term Perspective: Full and Equitable Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701**
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the cornerstone for ensuring stability and security in southern Lebanon. This resolution has successfully maintained relative calm in the region for more than 17 years (2006-2023), despite Israeli violations. Since its adoption, Israel has continued to violate the provisions of Resolution 1701 through its ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory, violation of Lebanese airspace, and aggressive and threatening positions from Israeli political and military actors.
The Lebanese Army and UNIFIL will play a pivotal role in this endeavor. In order to ensure the necessary conditions for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the Lebanese government is committed to increasing the number of Lebanese Army personnel through a new recruitment campaign. The significant level of destruction witnessed in southern Lebanon over the past ten months also necessitates concerted efforts for reconstruction. The Lebanese government is in the process of formulating a plan to rebuild the affected towns and villages and to restore livelihoods.
**The Lebanese Government: Ways Forward**
Lebanon has consistently proven itself to be a constructive and reliable interlocutor in the region. The recent agreements concerning maritime borders serve as testimony to Lebanon's commitment to negotiations and resolving disputes peacefully. These maritime agreements have not only resolved long-standing disputes but also demonstrated Lebanon's willingness to engage constructively with fair mediators.
In the upcoming period, the Lebanese government is prepared to engage again and play its role in de-escalation, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, Lebanon's sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Lebanese government's commitment to advancing the recruitment of additional Lebanese soldiers in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 indicates a clear commitment to implementing this resolution. The decision to recruit is a significant step toward enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain security and stability in the region.
However, successful implementation of this commitment will require support and assistance from the international community. Such assistance can come in various forms, including financial support, training, and technical assistance to ensure the recruitment process is effective and efficient. The call for international support not only reflects the Lebanese government's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under Resolution 1701 but also underscores the importance of cooperation and solidarity with the international community in addressing security challenges.
International community assistance will be crucial in enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and promoting stability and security in the region. The Lebanese government has consistently shown strong support for UNIFIL's mandate, recognizing its critical role in maintaining stability along the southern borders. The Lebanese government has also emphasized the importance of international support for UNIFIL's mission and called on the international community to contribute to this vital effort. The Lebanese government reaffirms its commitment to working closely with UNIFIL to ensure the security and stability of the region."
