BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Metri has warned that the continued presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon could gradually evolve into a permanent occupation, raising serious concerns over sovereignty, security, and regional stability.
Metri described the situation along Lebanon’s southern border as highly sensitive and volatile, stressing that Beirut considers the presence of Israeli troops on its territory unacceptable under international law. He called for a complete Israeli withdrawal, warning that prolonged military deployment risks deepening mistrust and further destabilizing the already fragile border situation.
He confirmed that the issue is expected to feature prominently in upcoming Lebanon–Israel negotiations being prepared under United States mediation. The proposed talks aim to ease tensions along the border and establish clearer security arrangements to prevent further escalation.
The statement comes amid ongoing tensions along the Israel–Lebanon frontier, where sporadic exchanges of fire, surveillance operations, and other security incidents continue to raise fears of a wider confrontation. Civilians on both sides of the border have faced increased insecurity, with some areas reporting displacement concerns linked to the instability.
Lebanon has repeatedly insisted that any future agreement must include a clear, verifiable timeline for withdrawal, along with guarantees respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Officials in Beirut have warned that failure to resolve the issue could undermine long-term peace efforts in the region.
International actors, including the United States and other mediators, are continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and push both sides toward a negotiated settlement, although major political and security differences remain unresolved.
The situation remains fluid as negotiations are being prepared, with regional stability closely tied to their outcome.
