Nawaf Salam has made it clear that Lebanon will not accept any agreement that falls short of a “full withdrawal” of Israeli forces, setting a firm tone ahead of upcoming talks in Washington.
In remarks reported by Al Jazeera, Salam rejected the idea of a buffer zone that would restrict displaced Lebanese citizens from returning to their homes or rebuilding destroyed towns. He stressed that such arrangements are unacceptable for Lebanon’s sovereignty and long-term stability.
Speaking after meetings in Paris with Emmanuel Macron, Salam highlighted the crucial role of the United States in influencing outcomes. He noted that Washington’s leverage over Israel was instrumental in securing a ceasefire and expressed hope that this influence would continue during negotiations.
On the sensitive issue of disarming Hezbollah, Salam described it as a gradual process rather than an immediate step, signaling a measured approach to one of the region’s most complex challenges.
Reaffirming Lebanon’s stance, Salam stated that participation in negotiations does not equate to concessions, emphasizing that Beirut remains focused on securing its core objectives despite uncertainties around the outcome.
