‘We won’t be intimidated’ by Hezbollah from continuing direct talks with Israel
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said his government is not seeking confrontation with Iran-backed Hezbollah, but would not be intimidated by the militant group from pursuing direct negotiations with Israel.
“We are pursuing this path, convinced that diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, but a responsible act, so as to leave no avenue unexplored in restoring my country’s sovereignty and protecting its people,” he said.
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah mediated by the US came into effect last week, but Israeli forces remain deployed in a belt of Lebanese land five to 10km deep along the entire border.
Israel has said it aims to create a “buffer zone” to shield northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah, while Hezbollah has repeatedly accused Israel of attacking civilians and destroying homes in breach of the truce.
Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed nearly 2,300 people since 2 March, according to Lebanese authorities.
Speaking at a news conference alongside France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Salam said his government is “seeking to achieve through negotiations a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon”.
This comes as the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran was extended indefinitely, hours before it was set to expire.
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