Lebanese army could be deployed to the south of the country: Prime Minister Mikati says 'we are ready'
Israel is preparing for a ground offensive against Lebanon. In response to the possibility of the Israeli army seizing the south of the country, the Lebanese Prime Minister announced that they could deploy the army to the region.
AA
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that they are ready to send their army to the south of the country. The statement came as Israel gathers its forces to conduct a military operation in southern Lebanon.
Prime Minister Mikati held a press conference after meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in the capital, Beirut.
Drawing attention to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701 from 2006, Mikati stated the following:
'We are ready to implement UNSC Resolution 1701. Following the establishment of a ceasefire, we are ready to send the army to the south of the Litani River to carry out its duties in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).'
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati
CHIEF OF STAFF AOUN MET WITH THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER
Prime Minister Mikati also stated that they discussed the issue of presidential elections in Lebanon with Parliament Speaker Berri.
Meanwhile, after his meeting with Prime Minister Mikati, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Berri met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun.
Israel, which continues its intense attacks on Lebanon, is putting forward the condition that 'Hezbollah must withdraw to the north of the Litani River and lay down its arms' for a ceasefire in Lebanon.