Salam denounces ’dangerous and unprecedented escalation’ by Israel against Lebanon

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday denounced the "dangerous and unprecedented escalation" by Israel in southern Lebanon and called for an "immediate cease-fire," stating that the policy of "scorched earth" would not bring security to the neighboring country.

In a televised speech addressed to the Lebanese people, Salam nonetheless defended the authorities’ decision to hold negotiations with Israel, stating that it was "the least costly path" for Lebanon.

"What we have witnessed is not simply an Israeli expansion or incursion. Israel is not merely targeting specific sites, but carrying out a policy of widespread destruction of cities and towns, as well as all means of livelihood found there, while also conducting mass population displacement that amounts to collective punishment inflicted on our peaceful population. These are policies condemned by all international norms and law," Nawaf Salam said.

"What Israel is doing is not only a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, but an attempt to erase its history," the prime minister added from the Grand Serail, according to the National News Agency (NNA).

"We are determined to end the war, protect our country, and prevent it from becoming a postbox or open ground for the conflicts of others," he continued.

Regarding the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, Salam stated that their "outcome is not guaranteed" and that they "do not constitute an act of surrender, but rather the least costly option for Lebanon."

"Today, it is the state conducting the negotiations on behalf of all Lebanese, and the decision for war or peace remains a national decision," he added.