Khaberni - The Islamic Group in Lebanon commented on the framework agreement concluded between Lebanon and Israel, emphasizing its adherence to clear national standards based on maintaining full sovereignty and ensuring Israeli withdrawal.
The group clarified in its statement that the decision of war and peace must remain a responsible national decision under the umbrella of the state and its legitimate institutions, away from any foreign dictations. It emphasized that any discussion on the exclusivity of arms and the extension of state authority should not occur under the pressure of occupation or threat, but through serious national dialogue that leads to a comprehensive defensive strategy enhancing the army's ability to protect borders and citizens.
The group warned of the danger of linking the Israeli withdrawal to security conditions that are subject to delay and interpretation, or interpreting any clause that restricts Lebanon’s right to defend its rights under international law. It insisted that the occupation must end because it is an occupation, not because it feels secure with certain arrangements, demanding that the withdrawal be complete, according to a clear timetable with binding international and Arab guarantees, serving as a starting point for any new negotiation process.
The group called on the Lebanese government for transparency by disclosing the texts and annexes, especially the security annex and verification mechanisms, and the schedule of redeployment, presenting any major commitments to the relevant constitutional institutions.
The statement of the Islamic Group comes at a time when Lebanese positions reflect a sharp division on the agreement. While Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the agreement as "a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and a complete Israeli withdrawal," Hezbollah described the agreement as "humiliating and dishonorable and a concession on sovereignty."
The Islamic Group, described as the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood with a political presence in the Sunni arena, affirmed that its position is based on "neither emotional rejection that leads Lebanon back to war and isolation, nor hasty acceptance that grants the enemy what it did not obtain by force."
The group called on all political forces and national and religious references to avoid incendiary and divisive rhetoric, to adhere to a unifying stance that protects the state, preserves rights, supports the army, avoids strife, and rejects occupation without plunging the country into a new war.
It is noted that the framework agreement, signed last Friday in Washington in the presence of the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stipulates a process whereby the Lebanese army regains its sovereign authority over the entire Lebanese territory following the verification of the disarmament of non-governmental armed groups, allowing for a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanese territories. It also includes the initiation of two pilot areas as a first step towards a gradual and comprehensive withdrawal.
