Beirut: The US Embassy in Beirut announced on Thursday that decisions regarding war and peace should be solely the responsibility of the Lebanese state. The statement expressed support for the Lebanese government's efforts to establish sovereignty through the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
According to Anadolu Agency, the embassy highlighted that the Lebanese populace consistently favors state institutions over Hezbollah's military capabilities. The embassy's statement on US media platform X emphasized that southern Lebanon does not belong to external actors or militias, reinforcing Lebanon's ambition to assert control in the region.
The statement further argued that the Lebanese army must ensure that decisions of war and peace are exclusive to the Lebanese state. Additionally, the mission commended communities in southern Lebanon for prioritizing state institutions over Hezbollah's armament.
This declaration is set against a backdrop of ongoing US-facilitated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. These talks focus on the Israeli military's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, speaking at the 166th session of the Arab League Council in Cairo earlier this week, affirmed that US-sponsored negotiations represent the most effective means to stop Israeli attacks and prompt withdrawal to internationally recognized borders.
Under US mediation, Lebanon and Israel have conducted seven rounds of negotiations. The initial five rounds were in Washington, culminating in a 14-point framework agreement on June 26, while the subsequent rounds took place in Rome.
The recent negotiations, which concluded on August 6, delved into military, political, legal, border issues, and prisoner-related matters. The framework agreement outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, deployment of the Lebanese army, and disarmament of non-state armed groups.
Despite the framework agreement, Israel has persisted in its offensive on Lebanon, initiated in March following Hezbollah's response to the Iran conflict. As per figures from the Lebanese Health Ministry in late August, the conflict has resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and more than 12,000 injuries.