Lebanese PM vows efforts to secure full Israeli withdrawal
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said the government will continue working through diplomatic and political channels to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. His remarks came during a visit to the village of Zawtar al Gharbiyah where the Lebanese army has recently expanded its deployment following a new security agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the border.
Speaking to residents and military personnel, Salam said Lebanon remains committed to restoring full control over all its territory. He stressed that the government would continue its efforts to ensure Israeli forces leave the remaining occupied areas in the south while supporting the Lebanese army as it strengthens its presence in the region.
The prime minister’s visit followed talks between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Aoun urged the United States to support Lebanon’s demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from its territory as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the border.
Last month, Lebanon and Israel agreed to a US backed framework under which the Lebanese army would gradually deploy in designated areas while Israeli troops would withdraw from selected locations. The agreement also calls for the Lebanese military to take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah in those zones. Hezbollah has rejected the deal and insists it will not surrender its weapons.
Tensions remain high despite the agreement. Lebanon’s army said Israeli forces opened fire near soldiers who were deploying in Zawtar al Gharbiyah on Tuesday. The Israeli military responded by saying its troops fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers entered an area outside the agreed deployment zone.
The border region has remained unstable since Hezbollah entered the regional conflict by launching attacks against Israel in support of Iran earlier this year. Israel responded with large scale airstrikes and a ground offensive that caused widespread destruction across southern Lebanon. Although violence has eased following recent diplomatic agreements, occasional military exchanges continue.
During his visit, Salam raised the Lebanese flag in the village and promised that the government would focus on rebuilding damaged communities. He said authorities would work alongside the army to reopen roads, clear rubble, restore essential public services, and create conditions that allow displaced residents to return home safely.
Many local residents gathered near the village hoping to receive permission to inspect their homes after months of conflict. Some expressed relief over the arrival of the Lebanese army, saying its presence gave them confidence that life could gradually return to normal. However, military officials advised civilians to wait until security operations in the area are completed before returning.
The army is currently conducting security sweeps in villages close to Israeli controlled positions to ensure the areas are safe for returning residents. Officials say these operations are necessary because of the continued risk of military activity near the border.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state news agency reported additional Israeli drone strikes and artillery shelling in nearby areas on Wednesday. It also said Israeli troops entered the Dubieh area near the border town of Shaqra and raised an Israeli flag over the historic Dubieh Castle.
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame strongly criticised the move, describing it as a provocative action that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty. He said the government remains committed to regaining control over all historic sites and national territory in the south.
The latest incident follows Israel’s seizure of the historic Beaufort Castle in May. International attention has also turned to the condition of several historic castles in southern Lebanon. The United Nations is expected to consider adding five of these sites, including Beaufort Castle and Dubieh Castle, to its list of cultural landmarks at risk due to ongoing conflict. Lebanese officials hope international support will help protect these important heritage sites while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation along the border.
