WASHINGTON/BEIRUT: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States has banned Israel from further bombing in Lebanon, using an atypically harsher tone than usual with the longtime US ally Israel.
“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the USA. Enough is enough!!!” Trump said in a social media post.
Trump also said any deal the United States reaches with Iran “is in no way subject to Lebanon” but the US will “deal with” the militant Hezbollah situation in an appropriate manner.
The president of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, said on Friday that direct talks with Israel were both delicate and essential, and require a unified national approach.
“Direct negotiations are crucial … and a ceasefire is the gateway to proceeding with talks,” he said in a statement.
The objectives of authorities in Beirut are to consolidate this week’s ceasefire agreement, secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories in southern Lebanon, recover prisoners, and resolve outstanding border disputes, he added.
The Lebanese army will play a central role following any Israeli withdrawal, Aoun said as he reassured residents returning to their towns and villages that no armed groups would remain other than the army and legitimate security forces.
He stressed that Lebanon was facing a new reality, with Arab and international backing presenting the country with a rare opportunity that should not be squandered.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on Thursday evening following the announcement of a 10-day truce, including Hezbollah, under a six-point agreement.
Shortly after it began, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichai Adraee, said its forces would remain at their positions in southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah activities. He also urged civilians not to return to areas south of the Litani River until further notice.
