Lebanon PM demands Israeli withdrawal at UN as shelling continues

September 25, 2026 at 09:57 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and full enforcement of the ceasefire in a speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday. Israeli forces carried out a large explosion near Taybeh and Deir Siryan and an air strike between Froun and Ghandourieh the same day. The demands came as Israeli shelling and demolitions continued across more than 60 occupied towns.

Key Facts

Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have killed at least 4,386 people and wounded 12,407 since March 2, when the Hezbollah-Israel war started.
Israeli forces have occupied up to 600 square kilometres of Lebanese territory up to the Litani River since March 2.
More than 60 towns in southern Lebanon remain occupied by the Israeli army, where systematic demolitions are underway.
A US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel in June provides for gradual Israeli withdrawal and deployment of the Lebanese army in vacated areas.
Salam said his government entered negotiations with Israel, mediated by the United States and President Donald Trump, to end the war and restore Lebanon's sovereignty.

UN Address

Salam demanded a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory up to its internationally recognised border and the release of all Lebanese detainees. He said the success of any agreement is measured not by intentions but by fulfilment of commitments. Salam called for practical steps within a clear timetable and a verification mechanism to ensure implementation of all provisions. He stated that state sovereignty cannot be untouchable in one place and negotiable in another, nor can international law apply to some but not to others.

Ground Operations

Israeli forces carried out a large explosion near Taybeh and Deir Siryan and an air strike targeted a valley between Froun and Ghandourieh, triggering a large fire. Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr reported from Froun that Israeli warplanes and drones were flying at low altitudes and artillery shelling was causing uncontrollable fires. Lebanese civil defence and firefighters are not being allowed by Israeli forces to reach these areas and put out the flames. Khodr said Israeli forces are blowing up people's homes despite the ceasefire framework agreement signed with the Lebanese government.