Harsh Reaction from Lübnan to İsrail: Occupation Hinders the Washington Agreement

The President of Lübnan held a critical video conference with the 'American Task Force for Lübnan' to evaluate the latest developments in the country. In the statement, it was emphasized that international pressure must be increased for İsrail to immediately withdraw from the occupied Lübnan territories. The Lübnan administration argues that İsrail's ongoing occupation effectively prevents the implementation of the Washington Agreement and makes it impossible to establish permanent peace in the region. It is noted that this situation deepens instability not only between the two countries but also throughout the entire Orta Doğu geography. Senior officials state that the events are incompatible with a peace process and that international law is being violated.

The President of Lübnan stated that the continuation of the İsrail occupation seriously weakens the state authority of Lübnan and poses a major obstacle to the army's full deployment to the south of the country. It was emphasized that ending the occupation is essential for ensuring security and establishing a just and permanent peace. It was highlighted that the only way for the local population to return to their homes with confidence and peace is for the Lübnan army and security forces to establish full control in the region. Otherwise, it is assessed that the risk of terrorist organizations and armed groups regaining activity in the region will increase. For this reason, strengthening the central government's presence in the southern provinces is of vital importance for the country's integrity.

Stating that the possibility of a civil war breaking out again in Lübnan is definitely not on the agenda, the President guaranteed that the country would not return to its past bitter experiences. Despite the efforts of some circles to escalate sectarian tensions and pit the people against each other in the country, it was explicitly stated that the Lübnan state would not allow such provocative initiatives. Officials noted that the war, which brought total destruction, failed to achieve any of its declared objectives, and therefore, the negotiations on the table remain the only legitimate option. It was expressed that İsrail's refusal to withdraw from the territories would thwart not only Lübnan's sovereignty goals but also the strategic interests of the ABD in the Orta Doğu. Finding just solutions has become imperative to stop regional destruction and normalize diplomatic relations.

In the statement, which also touched upon the complex legal processes between the two countries, it was clarified that the international lawsuits between Lübnan and İsrail were only temporarily suspended during the negotiation process. It was emphasized in definite terms that this situation does not mean that Lübnan has completely abandoned the said lawsuits and claims. While the negotiations between the parties continue, the message was given that legal rights would be protected to the fullest extent and would be brought to the agenda again in international courts if necessary. These ongoing legal struggles in the background carry the potential to open the doors to new crises at the diplomatic table, in addition to military and political tensions. Therefore, it is observed that the negotiation process carries the risk of being interrupted at any moment and proceeds on a delicate diplomatic balance.

The intense airstrikes launched by the İsrail army against Lübnan on 2 Mart and the subsequent occupation of many towns in the south had opened the door to a massive humanitarian crisis in the region. According to the statements of the Lübnan government, the number of displaced civilians in the country exceeded 1 million following the start of the clashes, and the infrastructure was largely destroyed. According to the latest data from the Lübnan Ministry of Health, the number of people who lost their lives in İsrail's attacks on the country since March has reached 4 bin 304. As a result of intense diplomatic contacts conducted under the mediation of ABD President Donald Trump and with the contributions of Pakistan, a temporary ceasefire was first established between the parties on 17 Nisan, and this was continuously extended in the following months, leading to the signing of a framework agreement on 26 Haziran. This 14-maddelik historic agreement, approved by İran and the ABD, which envisages the complete cessation of the war, is considered a critical turning point for the silencing of weapons in the entire region, including Lübnan.