Lebanon FM calls for implementation of Resolution 1701 to end Israel-Hezbollah tensions

8 January 2024, 7:00 pm 4 Edit

Smoke rises above the southern Lebanese border village of Khiam following Israeli strikes on January 6, 2024 (Karim DAHER / AFP)

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Abu Habib during a meeting with United Nations Coordinator-General in Lebanon Joanna Wronecka calls for a diplomatic solution to tensions between Israel and Hezbollah through “full implementation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

“That is, through Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories and an end to land, sea and air violations,” he says in a statement.

Israel says Hezbollah routinely violates Resolution 1701 by bringing its forces south of the Litani River, sometimes all the way to the border with Israel.

But Lebanon points to Israel’s annexation of the northern part of the town of Ghajar, which extends past the Blue Line.