Lebanon Cites Israeli Military Push in South Aimed at Creating Buffer Zone

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, citing Al Mayadeen, Lebanon‘s Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salameh, revealed that Israel has commenced systematic operations targeting new areas in southern Lebanon. He indicated that the aim of these military actions is to create a buffer zone, and that Israel is actively displacing residents from the south to impede their return to their homes.

Salameh further elaborated that Lebanon is pursuing diplomatic mechanisms to exert pressure on Israel. He noted that the current axis of negotiations with Israel is unstable for numerous reasons, with Israel opposing a ceasefire and internal delays hindering the formation of a diplomatic delegation.

The Minister of Culture added that external parties, particularly France, have received Lebanon’s proposal for engaging in negotiations with Israel. Several countries have taken up Lebanon’s initiative, working on and developing it, with France showing significant attention to the matter.

Salameh affirmed that there is no fundamental opposition to direct negotiations with Israel; however, discussions within Lebanon revolve around the specific conditions for such talks. The Lebanese government insists that a ceasefire is the initial step, and if Israel agrees to it, all parties must adhere to it.