Lebanon's Foreign Minister: Gulf states must back full Israeli exit

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories at the 22nd Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. He urged Gulf partners to support Beirut's effort to restore state sovereignty and end ongoing military attacks. The speech emphasized that Lebanon requires full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to stabilize its borders and regional relations.

Lebanon began asserting greater state control earlier in the year under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The government issued decisions placing all weapons under state authority and banning the military and security activities of Hezbollah. Rajji described this shift as a necessary step to reassert government power and clarify the country's position in the region.

"Lebanon will no longer allow its territory to be used against the security of its Arab brothers or as a bargaining chip in negotiations conducted beyond its borders," Rajji said during a session focused on the Eastern Mediterranean. He added that the Lebanese people had paid a heavy price for wars they did not choose to fight, while warning against the use of armed groups to pursue regional ambitions outside state control.

Rajji reaffirmed Lebanon's solidarity with Bahrain and other Gulf states in confronting Iranian attacks and operations by groups linked to Tehran. He rejected any violations of their sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity. The minister also raised concerns about maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea, linking these waterways to the security of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The next step in this diplomatic push involves a comprehensive Arab strategic partnership. Rajji argued this framework must be built around sovereign states where legitimate institutions retain exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace. This approach aims to address regional challenges while ensuring that national borders and state control remain the primary determinants of security policy.

Rajji concluded his address by reiterating the need for strong institutions to manage external threats. He stated that Lebanon’s stability depends on the ability of its government to maintain control over its territory and resources. The minister left the stage after outlining these priorities for future Arab cooperation and bilateral engagements with Gulf neighbors.