Lebanon Asserts Demand for Complete Israeli Withdrawal and Policy…

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Youssef Rajji, demands Israel’s full troop withdrawal and emphasizes disarming Hezbollah. His recent statements in Paris reflect a shift in Lebanese politics following the election of President Joseph Aoun. Concerns are rising about Israel’s delay in withdrawal amidst regional stability issues and challenges related to Syrian refugees.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Youssef Rajji, affirmed the country’s demand for a “full, total and unconditional withdrawal” of Israeli forces during his inaugural trip abroad since his recent appointment. This statement was made at a conference in Paris aimed at supporting Syria’s political transition. Rajji stressed that the Lebanese government aims to maintain a monopoly on force, implicitly targeting Hezbollah, which remains armed post-civil war and has been weakened by recent conflicts with Israel.

The election of President Joseph Aoun, who has called for Hezbollah’s disarmament, signifies a shift in Lebanon’s political landscape. Rajji’s backing by an anti-Hezbollah Christian political party also reflects this change, moving away from the long-standing pro-Hezbollah dominance within the Foreign Ministry. Concerns have been raised about a potential endangerment of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as Israel seeks to postpone its troop withdrawal deadline, originally set for a week from now.

Despite the delays, Rajji expressed commitment to ensuring adherence to the ceasefire agreement and re-establishing Lebanese governmental authority across all territories. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot acknowledged Israel’s request for an extended presence in certain areas along the Blue Line, which demarcates the Israel-Lebanon border. He suggested deploying seasoned UNIFIL contingents, including French forces, to observe these areas instead of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

French assistance to the Lebanese army is seen as crucial, following a conference in October that raised over $1 billion for humanitarian and military support. During the recent conference, President Macron highlighted the interconnectedness of Lebanon’s stability with Syria, noting Syria’s prior influence over Lebanon and its historical support for Hezbollah.

Rajji indicated that both Lebanese and Syrian populations have suffered under previous regimes and expressed optimism for collaboration with Syria’s emerging governance. However, tensions persist as the U.S. failed to send a ministerial representative to the gathering, reflecting uncertainty about its stance on Syrian policies.

In summary, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Rajji emphasizes the necessity for Israel’s complete withdrawal while advocating for the disarmament of Hezbollah, signaling a notable political transition in Lebanon. Efforts to boost Lebanese sovereignty, coupled with regional diplomacy, including French support, are crucial as the nation grapples with the complexities of Syrian refugee integration amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. Rajji’s comments reveal a proactive posture towards both foreign policy and domestic governance.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com