Lebanese PM Demands Full Israeli Withdrawal in UN Speech Amid Continued Shelling

UN Address Calls for Ceasefire Enforcement

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made a firm call for an end to Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday. Speaking from New York, Salam emphasized the need to consolidate the existing ceasefire framework and demanded a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces up to the internationally recognized border.

"We want the war to end and we want the ceasefire [with Israel] consolidated," said Salam in his address.

This statement came amid ongoing Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, including artillery shelling and demolitions that have reportedly affected over 60 towns. The prime minister's speech was a direct appeal to the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continued military presence and violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Ongoing Military Activity in Southern Lebanon

While Salam addressed the UN, the situation on the ground remained volatile. Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reported from Froun that Israeli warplanes and drones were still flying at low altitudes over southern Lebanon. The region continues to experience intense shelling, with fires breaking out in multiple areas.

"From the ground here in Froun, we can still see Israeli warplanes and drones flying at low altitudes in the skies above and Israeli artillery shelling is still causing uncontrollable fires," Khodr said. "Lebanese civil defence and firefighters are not being allowed by the Israelis to reach these areas and put out the flames."

More than 4,386 people have been killed and 12,407 injured since the current conflict with Hezbollah began in March. Israeli forces have occupied approximately 600 square kilometers of Lebanese territory up to the Litani River.

Framework Agreement and Mediation Efforts

A US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel was signed in June, aiming for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese army in areas vacated by Israeli forces. Salam highlighted this agreement during his UN address as a critical foundation for peace.

"What is required is to complete the translation of this agreement into practical steps within a clear timetable and with a verification mechanism that ensures the implementation of all its provisions," he stated.

The prime minister also reiterated his government's commitment to negotiating an end to the conflict, emphasizing that success would be measured not by intentions but by fulfillment of commitments. He called for continued mediation efforts led by the United States and President Donald Trump.

Sovereignty and Regional Stability

During his speech, Salam underscored the importance of state sovereignty in Lebanon, arguing that international law must apply equally to all nations. "State sovereignty cannot be untouchable in one place and negotiable in another," he emphasized.

He further outlined a conditional approach to disarmament, pledging to oversee the process of Hezbollah's disarming in exchange for Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanese territory. "Weapons must be exclusively in the hands of the state and that decisions on war and peace rest solely with its constitutional institutions," he said.

Salam also connected regional stability to Palestinian rights, stating, "There can be no lasting stability in Lebanon without lasting stability in our region, and there can be no stability in the region as long as this organisation [the UN] remains unable to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination."

Challenges and Counterpoints

The situation in southern Lebanon remains highly complex. While international frameworks such as the June agreement provide a path forward, enforcement remains a significant challenge. Israeli military actions continue to undermine confidence in the ceasefire's stability.

Many observers have noted that while Lebanon has made efforts to negotiate peace, Israel's refusal to fully withdraw and its ongoing operations suggest a lack of commitment to peaceful resolution. The presence of Israeli forces in 60 towns and the systematic demolition of homes have only deepened the humanitarian crisis.

The international community faces a critical moment. If the UN and global powers are to support meaningful progress, they must ensure that ceasefire mechanisms are not just agreed upon but actively enforced. Failure to do so risks further escalation and long-term instability in an already volatile region.

Looking Ahead

Prime Minister Salam's address at the UN General Assembly is a clear signal of Lebanon's resolve to reclaim sovereignty, even as Israeli actions persist on the ground. As international mediators continue to work toward implementing the June agreement, the Lebanese government's stance underscores the urgency for accountability and action.

The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the framework agreement can evolve into a lasting peace or whether the current conflict continues to deteriorate further. For Lebanon, this moment is not just about military outcomes—it's about restoring dignity, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens.