Prime Minister Nawaf Salam underscored on Wednesday the crucial role of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, saying that renewing its mandate is essential for maintaining calm and helping the army assert state authority across the region.
During a meeting at the Grand Serail, attended by U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, members of the congressional delegation from both the Republican and Democratic parties, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, He pointed to the government’s ongoing reforms, including institutional and financial improvements, and reiterated the importance of disarming all groups outside state control to ensure long-term stability.
Salam highlighted the critical need for greater international support for the Lebanese Army. He said such support, both financial and in equipment, plays a crucial role in strengthening the country’s security and stability.
The Prime Minister called on the U.S. to continue pressing Israel to halt aggression, withdraw from occupied points, and release prisoners. He also touched on the broader relationship between Lebanon and the United States, including economic cooperation, and emphasized the need for Syria’s unity and stability as part of regional security.
For his part, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday warned that UNIFIL’s mission in southern Lebanon is under threat, despite international efforts, including US mediation, to ensure Israeli compliance with international law and the November 2024 ceasefire outlined in Security Council Resolution 1701.
Berri made the remarks during a meeting with Johnson, Mullin and his delegation.
He noted that UNIFIL has consistently encountered opposition from Israel, which continues military operations, raids and violations not only in the area south of the Litani River – covered by Resolution 1701 – but across Lebanon.
The Speaker highlighted that the UNIFIL command structure, including its “Quintet Mechanism,” is led by an American general with a French deputy, questioning how the very force tasked with maintaining the ceasefire could be undermined.
In parallel, Al Hadath Television reported that Berri urged Hezbollah not to exploit street protests and called for greater cooperation with the Lebanese Army. He also asked Hezbollah to support the government in extending UNIFIL’s mandate.
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