Israel rejected all Lebanese proposals to vacate 5 southern positions, says President Aoun

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Wednesday that Israel has rejected all of Lebanon's proposals to withdraw from the five Lebanese hills and continues to hold several prisoners.

During a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Aoun emphasized: "Israel's continued occupation of lands and hills in southern Lebanon obstructs the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and contradicts the ceasefire agreement reached last November."

He further asserted that the Lebanese army, which has deployed in all areas vacated by Israeli forces, is fully carrying out its duties in maintaining security and confiscating all types of weapons.

Aoun also noted that “diplomatic efforts and negotiations are ongoing to find a comprehensive solution to the issue.” He stressed that “while Israel has released only five Lebanese prisoners, it still holds several others, and Lebanon remains determined to secure the return of all detainees recently arrested by Israel,” according to the National News Agency (NNA).

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and the Lebanese resistance group, Hezbollah, that escalated into a full-scale conflict in September.

Lebanese authorities reported nearly 1,100 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including the deaths of at least 85 victims and injuries to more than 280.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply. It still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.