2026-04-23T14:17:42+00:00
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Shafaq News- Beirut
On Wednesday, Lebanese
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on the United States to pressure Israel to
scale back its demands and end its military presence in southern Lebanon ahead
of a second round of direct talks.
In an interview with
the Washington Post, Salam noted that Lebanon cannot accept any agreement that
does not include a “full withdrawal” of Israeli forces, rejecting a buffer zone
in the south as it would prevent displaced residents from returning and hinder
reconstruction efforts in affected areas.
Pointing to “the
importance of Washington’s role as a mediator,” Salam said that the United
States has leverage over Israel and played a “key role” in securing the
ceasefire. He added that negotiations remain at an early stage but affirmed
Lebanon’s commitment to pursuing diplomatic efforts to achieve its objectives.
A second round of
ambassador-level talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled for today in the
United States. The first round took place in Washington on April 14, followed
three days later by the ceasefire agreement halting military operations between
Hezbollah and Israel.
Despite the ceasefire,
which will expire on April 26, Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific
Research has recorded around 220 Israeli violations, including airspace
breaches, artillery fire, airstrikes, and ground activity. Lebanese media
reported operations in Marjayoun and Bint Jbeil districts, including house
burnings and multiple explosions.
Hezbollah said it
responded to the violations by striking Israeli troop concentrations in the
Tyre district, downing a reconnaissance drone, and launching a drone attack
against Israeli forces in Marjayoun and Bint Jbeil districts.
From March 2 to April
17, Israel has killed 2,294 people and injured 7,544 others, according to
Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The figures include 177 children and 274 women among
the dead, and 704 children and 1,223 women among the injured.