Lebanese Prime Minister Urges US Senator Rubio to Set Date for IDF Withdrawal

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio in Washington on Monday, calling for a clear timeline for the implementation of agreed-upon commitments. Mikati specifically urged the establishment of a schedule for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. He also stressed the importance of simultaneously extending state authority over the entire country and consolidating all weaponry solely within the hands of the Lebanese government.

During the meeting, reported by L'Orient-Le Jour, Mikati requested the initiation of a trilateral agreement, emphasizing the need for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops and the concentration of all arms under state control. He asked for a precise schedule for fulfilling these obligations and the creation of a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance. Mikati stated that this is crucial to prevent any party's non-compliance from halting the entire process.

The Lebanese Prime Minister highlighted that the agreement encompasses not only security matters but also the reconstruction of areas affected by conflict, infrastructure restoration, and the return of displaced residents to their homes. He further requested continued American support for the Lebanese army to bolster its capacity to enforce state authority nationwide.

Senator Rubio affirmed the U.S. commitment to ongoing support for Lebanon and its official institutions, including the army. He encouraged the continued implementation of the agreement, which aims to foster stability and security in the region.