Lebanese Prime Minister: We renew our solidarity with Gulf states and Jordan in the face of Iranian aggression

He emphasized the necessity of “avoiding a vacuum” after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission concludes at the end of the current year, parts of whose area of operations are occupied by Israel.

Salameh stated, “What we are keen to stress today and here is the imperative to work to prevent any vacuum that might result from the withdrawal of UNIFIL forces if it occurs without an agreement on a new international force to replace it, one that ensures the continuation of monitoring, reporting, and liaison functions, and whose role integrates with the requirements for implementing the Triangular Framework.”

He affirmed, “We have entered into negotiations with Israel to reclaim our territories and sovereignty, and our responsibility is to restore our authority, ensuring that there is no weapon and no decision for war outside state institutions.”

Salameh stressed the need to avoid any vacuum that could arise from UNIFIL’s withdrawal without securing a suitable alternative.