Lebanon’s PM urges timetable for Israeli withdrawal as Hezbollah slams deal

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is pushing for a clear timetable for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory, as Hezbollah’s leader accuses Lebanon’s government of exposing the country’s own army to disgrace by pursuing the deal at all.

According to a statement released by the prime minister’s office on Friday, Salam met United States ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa and General Joseph Clearfield, who heads the US military coordination group for Lebanon, to discuss the military track of the negotiation framework with Israel, along with the latest developments in southern Lebanon.

“Salam stressed the need for Israel to stop destruction operations, expand the scope of pilot areas, and set a clear timetable for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory,” the statement said.

Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met the same US officials separately.

“Israel has not stopped its violations and attacks on Lebanon,” he said, citing continued village demolitions, bulldozed farmland, forest fires and damage to heritage sites.

“The key to stability remains forcing Israel to stop its war and withdraw to the international border.”

Issa called the talks “positive” and said negotiations would continue, without giving a date for the next round.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem hit back on Beirut’s remarks, accusing Lebanese officials of putting the army under “undue pressure” by implementing a non-functional agreement.