Lebanon PM tells UN his country is in a war it did not choose
Al Jazeera English
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Video Summary
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has appealed to the international community for help in ending the conflict with Israel and securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. Speaking at the UN General Assembly amidst a severe economic crisis and political paralysis, Salam stated Lebanon is in a war it did not choose, calling for an end to hostilities and the implementation of UN Resolution 1701. However, on the ground in southern Lebanon, correspondent Zena Khada reports that Israeli warplanes and drones continue to patrol the skies, with artillery shelling causing fires that civil defense is prevented from extinguishing. The Israeli army is also accused of a systematic campaign of demolishing homes in occupied towns. Despite a nominal ceasefire framework, talks have stalled since August, with Israel refusing further withdrawals until Hezbollah is disarmed, while Lebanon lacks the leverage to enforce the agreement.
The looming expiration of UNIFIL's mandate on December 31st adds another layer of uncertainty. While history shows the UN force has been unable to halt conflicts, its presence is seen by many Lebanese as a crucial link to the international community. Prime Minister Salam is seeking an extension or replacement for UNIFIL, but both Israel and the United States view the mission as failed and advocate for a new security arrangement based on a bilateral agreement between Lebanon and Israel, including the disarmament of Hezbollah. Lebanon, however, desires an international security presence, leaving the future of the south uncertain.
Short Highlights
- Lebanon is engaged in a conflict it did not choose and seeks an end to Israeli attacks and withdrawal from its territory.
- Israeli forces continue military operations in southern Lebanon, including aerial surveillance and artillery shelling, despite a nominal ceasefire.
- More than 60 towns in southern Lebanon are occupied, with reports of systematic home demolitions by the Israeli army.
- Talks to implement UN Resolution 1701 have stalled, with Israel demanding Hezbollah's disarmament and Lebanon lacking leverage.
- The mandate for the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, expires on December 31st, with no agreement on its extension or replacement.
Key Details
Lebanon Faces Unchosen War [0:00]
- Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the UN General Assembly amid ongoing Israeli attacks and a severe economic crisis.
- He stated Lebanon is in a war it did not choose and desires an end to hostilities and Israeli withdrawal.
"The Prime Minister speaking there as Lebanon continues to navigate a severe economic crisis, political paralysis, but also this continued conflict in the south between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, which has persisted despite a nominal ceasefire framework which was built on UN Resolution 1701."
Situation on the Ground in Southern Lebanon [1:05]
- Correspondent Zena Khada reports that Israeli warplanes and drones are constantly in the sky over southern Lebanon.
- Artillery shelling is causing fires in wooded areas, and the civil defense is reportedly prevented from extinguishing them.
"The reality is this conflict is far from over. We've been here for the past few hours. Israeli warplanes do not leave the skies. They fly at low altitude. Israeli drones don't leave the skies."
Occupation and Demolitions in Southern Lebanon [1:55]
- Over 60 towns in southern Lebanon are occupied by the Israeli army.
- The Israeli army is accused of conducting a systematic campaign of demolitions, destroying residents' homes.
"And the towns in the distance, those are occupied by the Israeli army. More than 60 towns are under occupation. And what is happening there, the Israeli army is carrying out a systematic campaign of demolitions, blowing up people's homes."
Stalled Ceasefire Talks and UNIFIL's Mandate [3:10]
- Despite a nominal ceasefire framework and an agreement signed in June, talks have not progressed since August.
- Israel refuses further withdrawals, citing the Lebanese army's failure to disarm Hezbollah, while Lebanon seeks international pressure on Israel.
- The mandate for the UNIFIL peacekeeping force expires on December 31st, with no agreement on its future.
"So the president, so the prime minister really trying to defend his government, saying that they are committed to extending state authority across the country, but at the same time calling on the international community for help to be able to do this, to pressure Israel, because the Lebanese government really does not have any leverage."
