Lebanon says Israeli presence on its soil constitutes ‘occupation’

Lebanon has condemned the presence of the Israeli military on its soil, saying it constitutes the “occupation” of the Lebanese territory.

Despite Tuesday’s deadline for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces according to a ceasefire deal between Tel Aviv and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, Israel continued to occupy five vantage points in southern Lebanon, citing security concerns.

On Tuesday, Lebanon said it was seeking UN intervention to enforce the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Israeli forces still remain in several villages and towns in southern Lebanon as the Lebanese army deploys troops to the areas from which the Israeli troops have retreated, allowing residents to return to what is left of their homes and businesses after Israeli destruction.

Israeli Minister for Military Affairs Israel Katz said the forces will remain in five strategic posts to “forcefully” implement the ceasefire deal in Lebanon.

“Starting today, the [military] will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five strategic outposts along the border line, to ensure the protection of the northern communities,” Katz said on X.

The Israeli forces would “continue to enforce forcefully and without compromise against any violation by Hezbollah,” Katz said.

Lebanon’s Aoun ‘afraid’ Israeli forces won’t withdraw by Tuesday deadline

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has expressed concern that the Israeli forces occupying southern Lebanon may not fully withdraw by the February 18 deadline.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have been categorically critical of Israel’s expansionism.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Lebanese officials reaffirmed Lebanon’s unified national position regarding Israel’s behavior.

The Lebanese leaders underscored the urgent need for Israel’s full withdrawal under international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

They also reiterated Lebanon’s full commitment to the resolution while condemning Israel’s repeated breaches.

The statement highlighted the Lebanese army’s readiness to assume full security responsibilities along the internationally recognized borders, ensuring national sovereignty and the protection of southern residents.

In reference to the US-French joint statement of November 26, 2024, which outlined a phased Israeli withdrawal within 60 days, the Lebanese leaders condemned the failure to uphold its commitments.

The Lebanese leaders said they would appeal to the UN Security Council to enforce Resolution 1701 and compel Israel’s immediate withdrawal.

The statement concluded with a firm assertion of Lebanon’s sovereign rights and its determination to use all available means to ensure the withdrawal.

In related news on Tuesday, the United Nations’ Lebanon envoy and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) warned the Israelis in a joint statement that any delays in the withdrawal violate the UN resolution that ended the 2006 Hezbollah-Israeli war and formed the basis for a recent truce.

“Today marks the end of the period set for the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces... and the parallel Lebanese Armed Forces deployment to positions in southern Lebanon,” the joint statement said.

“Another delay in this process is not what we hoped would happen, not least because it continues a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).”

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir