Egypt urges gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon after framework deal

During a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Abdelatty described the deal as an "important beginning." He stated that Israel's gradual withdrawal would allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to deploy and enable the Lebanese state to extend its authority across its entire territory. The foreign minister stressed the importance of building on the agreement to achieve a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

He also reaffirmed Egypt's support for the Lebanese government's policies aimed at extending state sovereignty, including the deployment of the Lebanese army and ensuring all weapons remain under state authority to strengthen Lebanon's security and stability. The framework deal, signed on Friday after negotiations in Washington, aims to end the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and restore state sovereignty. It affirms the right of both states to exist in peace and their mutual desire for security, declaring their intent to end the conflict and any state of war.

The agreement outlines a reciprocal, sequenced process for the Lebanese Armed Forces to restore sovereign authority over all Lebanese territory, pending the verified disarmament of non-state armed groups, which should enable the Israeli army to prog