Lebanese PM Demands Israeli Withdrawal Timeline as Hezbollah Condemns Negotiations

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is pressing for a defined timetable regarding Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory, even as Hezbollah’s leader sharply criticizes the government for allegedly exposing the Lebanese army to disgrace through ongoing diplomatic efforts.

In an official statement issued on Friday, the prime minister’s office detailed a meeting between Salam, United States ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa, and General Joseph Clearfield—who leads the US military coordination group for Lebanon—to address the military negotiation framework with Israel and recent 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 noted. Separately, Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri also met with the same US officials.

“Israel has not stopped its violations and attacks on Lebanon,” Berri stated, pointing to ongoing village demolitions, bulldozed farmland, forest fires, and damage to heritage sites. He added, “The key to stability remains forcing Israel to stop its war and withdraw to the international border.” Ambassador Issa characterized the discussions as “positive” and confirmed that negotiations would proceed, though no date for the next session was announced.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem pushed back against Beirut's approach, accusing Lebanese authorities of imposing “undue pressure” on the army by pursuing a flawed agreement. Speaking on Friday, Qassem questioned, “How can you accept this ongoing humiliation of the Lebanese army, exposing it to bombardment and Israeli pressures, instead of acting as its protectors?”

Qassem asserted that Israel aims to subject Lebanon to an oversight body that would control the army’s deployment and internal operations. He noted that Israeli strikes and home demolitions have continued inside Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, the initial designated pilot zone, despite the presence of the Lebanese army. He further challenged officials to cite a single success from the seven rounds of talks.

In response, US Ambassador Issa told reporters that Israeli military actions will only cease once Hezbollah disarms. “If they give up their weapons, everything will stop,” Issa said.

Under the June trilateral framework, which includes the US as a party, the terms call for Hezbollah's disarmament alongside a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. However, significant divisions persist between the parties.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that Israel will maintain its presence until Hezbollah is disarmed, with Israeli forces currently occupying multiple towns inside the Lebanese border. The Israeli military continues its operations in southern Lebanon, resulting in widespread home demolitions and displacement.

The upcoming round of talks is anticipated to take place in early September. According to Lebanese authorities, ongoing Israeli attacks since March 2 have resulted in 4,335 deaths, 12,277 injuries, and the displacement of over one million people.