Lebanese state maintains core sovereignty and security demands to seal southern peace agreement

Lebanese state maintains core sovereignty and security demands to seal southern peace agreement

Amid preparations for international negotiations, Beirut conditions a definitive ceasefire on the cessation of bombings, a measurable Israeli withdrawal timeline, the safe return of displaced persons, and a strong Armed Forces presence.

The government and the leadership of the Lebanese state have reiterated the strength of their fundamental premises to enable any lasting ceasefire and stabilization agreement on the southern border. The guidelines established by Beirut are structured around four non-negotiable axes aimed at reclaiming territorial sovereignty and ensuring humanitarian protection in the country's southern region.

The core demands put forward comprise:

 

Total cessation of hostilities: The immediate and verifiable interruption of land, air, naval bombardments, and drone attacks, curbing unilateral retaliatory actions.

 

Measurable withdrawal timeline: The demand for a mapped and dated schedule for the complete retreat of Israeli forces beyond the Blue Line, preventing prolonged occupation buffer zones.

 

Safe and assisted return of displaced persons: Logistical guarantees for the return of the civilian population, involving the prior demining of routes, inspection of buildings, and the restoration of basic water, electricity, and telecommunication infrastructure.

 

State monopoly on force: The deployment of a substantial contingent of 15,000 to 20,000 Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldiers to act as a sovereign and continuous national force in strategic southern positions.

The steadfast maintenance of these safeguards serves as the basis for internationally mediated technical talks, ensuring that step-by-step operational advancement and the state's military leadership go hand in hand in building verifiable peace.