Amid escalating field and political pressures on the Lebanese-Israeli negotiation process, Beirut has reaffirmed its commitment to the U.S.-mediated talks, emphasizing that any Israeli steps towards establishing a long-term military presence in the south contradict the 'Framework Agreement'. Lebanon clearly demands compliance with commitments related to withdrawal and cessation of military operations.
In this context, Information Minister Paul Marwan, in an interview with 'Al Arabiya' on Thursday, stated that the Lebanese government is committed to the negotiation process with Israel, stressing the importance of continuing talks within the existing understandings.
Marwan noted that Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz's statements about maintaining Israeli forces in areas inside southern Lebanon contradict the 'Framework Agreement', especially since Israeli military operations continue in the southern regions.
He pointed out that Israeli operations also focus on demolishing and destroying areas in southern cities and towns, under the pretext of targeting tunnels and military infrastructure. Marwan's statements coincide with ongoing wide-ranging damages affecting towns and areas in Southern Lebanon due to Israeli operations.
The Lebanese stance followed Katz's tour on Wednesday in areas under Israeli military control in southern Lebanon, where he declared that Israeli forces would remain in what Israel calls 'security zones' in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, instructing the military to prepare for a long-term presence.
Katz's statements prompted American objections, with a U.S. State Department official stating that Washington expects all parties to act in accordance with the agreed framework, emphasizing that a permanent Israeli military presence in Southern Lebanon does not align with the commitments of the agreement or long-term peace and security.
In Beirut, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam completely dismissed Katz's statements as contradictory to the 'Framework Agreement', welcoming the U.S. stance rejecting an enduring Israeli military presence on Lebanese territory.
Later, Katz adjusted his position, linking the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south to the disarmament of the party, following American criticisms of his earlier statements suggesting a potentially indefinite stay of forces.
Lebanon and Israel reached a U.S.-brokered 'Framework Agreement' on June 26, connecting the gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories to security measures including the deployment of the Lebanese Army and addressing the issue of non-state armed groups. The implementation is set to begin in experimental areas in the south. However, the agreement's execution still faces obstacles related to the Israeli withdrawal, verification mechanisms, and disputes over field procedures, while Beirut remains committed to continuing negotiations for full implementation of the understandings.