Salam stresses need for Israel to withdraw, halt attacks, release captives

In a meeting Monday with visiting U.S. Senators Darin LaHood and Steve Cohen, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam demanded that Israel withdraw from south Lebanon and halt its strikes on Lebanon.

Salam stressed that Israel must respect Lebanon's sovereignty and withdraw from the five hills it is still occupying in south Lebanon, enabling the Lebanese army to complete its deployment in the south. He also called for the release of Lebanese prisoners and for a halt of hostilities which would allow Lebanon to start rebuilding war-hit areas and recover from the 14-month Israeli war.

LaHood for his part praised the Lebanese cabinet's decision to work towards the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025.

Also on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the Lebanese cabinet's "momentous decision" and said that if Lebanon takes the necessary steps to disarm Hezbollah, then Israel will respond with reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of the Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon.

LaHood had also met in Lebanon with President Joseph Aoun.