Lebanon Demands Israeli Withdrawal, Cites UN Resolution 1701

Lebanon has presented a new demand to Israel, calling for the cessation of Israel's military presence within Lebanese territory. Prime Minister Nagib Mikati, speaking at the UN General Assembly, declared the return of all territories under Beirut's control as a primary government objective. Mikati stated Lebanon's intention to restore full sovereignty and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces, linking these demands to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted after the 2006 Second Lebanon War.

Concurrently, the Lebanese prime minister emphasized the necessity of disarming non-state armed groups, asserting that weapons should exclusively belong to state forces and that decisions regarding war and peace cannot be made by entities outside official government institutions. This statement directly addresses Hezbollah, which maintains its own armed capacity. Resolution 1701 mandates the disarmament of Hezbollah and the absence of its armed forces south of the Litani River.

Mikati also cautioned about a potential "security vacuum" in southern Lebanon following the planned withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL), urging measures to avert such a scenario. Israel has repeatedly stated that Lebanon and UNIFIL have failed to fully implement Resolution 1701, allowing Hezbollah to retain military infrastructure and weaponry in border areas.

In June, Israel and Lebanon reached a framework agreement for the gradual establishment of Lebanese army control over the south of the country, contingent upon Hezbollah's disarmament and Israeli withdrawal. However, the implementation of these agreements is progressing slowly. Earlier reports indicated that Hezbollah might resume shelling Israel.