Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam discussed with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the recent developments and the ongoing Israeli escalation in southern Lebanon.
During the phone call, Salam explained that the Israeli Minister of Defense is making continuous threats regarding Israel’s intention to occupy the southern region of the Litani River, in addition to similar statements from the Israeli Minister of Finance about their desire to annex this region. He pointed out that Israel blew up most of the bridges built on the Litani River, in an attempt to isolate this area from the rest of Lebanese territory.
Salam also explained to the Secretary-General the forced displacement to which residents of the cities and villages south of the Litani are subjected, and the accompanying gradual seizure of lands and the destruction of homes, and even their complete leveling, which raises doubts about the possibility of civilians returning to their homes in the near future.
He stressed that these practices and statements, regardless of their name, whether the “security belt” or the “buffer zone,” constitute a serious threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rights of its people, and are inconsistent with international law, international humanitarian law, and the Charter of the United Nations.
Salam told the Secretary-General that he had instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates to submit an urgent complaint to the Security Council regarding these developments, and called on the United Nations to carry out its duties and stop these violations.
