Lebanon demands full Israeli pullback at Gulf security forum

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories on November 1. He argued that restoring full state authority is a prerequisite for stable economic relations with Arab neighbors. The call for sovereignty came as Beirut seeks to consolidate control over its armed forces to secure its position in regional trade networks.

The diplomatic push follows a period of domestic consolidation under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The government recently issued decisions to place all weapons under state authority. It also moved to ban the military and security activities of Hezbollah, aiming to centralize command structures.

Rajji addressed the 22nd Manama Dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He stated that Lebanon would no longer allow its territory to serve as a bargaining chip in negotiations conducted beyond its borders. This shift signals a move to clarify the country's geopolitical role in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The minister highlighted security concerns in key shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea. He argued that Gulf security is now inseparable from developments in the Red Sea. This geographic linkage directly impacts the cost and reliability of maritime supply chains.

Rajji urged Gulf states to support a comprehensive Arab strategic partnership. He proposed a framework where sovereign states retain exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace. This structure aims to reduce the financial and security risks associated with armed groups operating outside state control.

The Lebanese leader warned against regional ambitions pursued through non-state actors. He noted that Lebanon had paid a heavy price for wars it did not choose to fight. The government’s current strategy focuses on insulating the national economy from these external conflicts.