Stability in southern Lebanon key to Middle East calm: Lebanese premier

By Naim Berjawi

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed on Saturday that stability in southern Lebanon is crucial for ensuring peace in the broader Middle East.

“We confirm that Resolution 1701, which the Lebanese army will implement south of the Litani River in coordination with UNIFIL forces, is the basis for a cease-fire and the withdrawal of the enemy from our occupied land,” said Mikati during a special cabinet session held in the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

“We are only kilometers away from the ongoing operations of the enemy army and its repeated violations of the agreement,” said Mikati, noting that the “stability in southern Lebanon and its reconstruction is the key to stability in the Middle East.”

“Security and peace will only return to the region through the implementation of international resolutions and the protection of our country, land, and sovereignty,” he added.

On Nov. 27, a cease-fire deal between Israel and Lebanon came into force in the hope of ending 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. It is, however, described as fragile, as 155 Israeli violations were documented by Lebanon.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line—a de facto border—in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Implementation of the agreement is to be overseen by the US and France, but details on enforcement mechanisms remain unclear.

Over 4,000 people have been killed and more than 16,500 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon and over 1 million others have been displaced since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi