Lebanese Leader Raises Alarm Over Israel's Withdrawal Plans
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Synopsis
On February 17, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed deep concerns about Israel's planned withdrawal from southern Lebanon, emphasizing the need for a unified national response and prioritizing diplomatic solutions over conflict. He confirmed the readiness of the Lebanese army to deploy in previously occupied areas.
Key Takeaways
- Joseph Aoun raises concern over Israel's withdrawal.
- Lebanon aims for a unified national stance.
- War is deemed not viable by Aoun.
- Lebanese army ready to deploy in vacated areas.
- Netanyahu rejects PA control of Gaza.
Beirut, Feb 17 (NationPress) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed his apprehensions on Monday regarding Israel's potential complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which is expected on Tuesday.
"We are concerned that the full withdrawal may not occur tomorrow, and Lebanon's response will be shaped by a unified national stance," he stated.
"Engaging in war is not an option," Aoun emphasized in a statement from Lebanon's Presidency, noting that diplomatic avenues will be prioritized as Lebanon cannot face another conflict. He also confirmed that the Lebanese army is prepared to be deployed in villages and towns previously occupied by Israeli forces.
Additionally, on the same day, the Lebanese President convened with the five-member committee responsible for overseeing the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire, as reported by Xinhua news agency. The committee reiterated its ongoing diplomatic endeavors to expedite the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.
Israeli forces are anticipated to exit southern Lebanon by February 18, following an already extended deadline, but they have indicated a desire to retain positions at five critical strategic sites in the region, a move that has been firmly opposed by the Lebanese government.
In the meantime, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the prospect of the Palestinian Authority (PA) taking control of post-war Gaza.
In reaction to media claims suggesting that Hamas might be willing to transfer control of the enclave to the PA, Netanyahu stated: "As I promised -- the day after the war in Gaza, there will be no Hamas and no Palestinian Authority."
He reaffirmed his backing for US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, which proposes relocating the enclave's Palestinian population to neighboring countries. This proposal has been rejected by Arab leaders.
"I am dedicated to President Trump's blueprint for a transformed Gaza," Netanyahu declared.
Israel is opposed to Palestinian sovereignty over the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem, territories it captured during the 1967 Middle East conflict.
