Lebanon PM Salam: country is victim of 'a war of others' — decries Israeli buffer zone up to Litani River

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a public statement following a cabinet session on April 2 (D34): On buffer zone: 'Israeli statements and military actions point to a significant expansion in the occupation of Lebanese territory, dangerous talk of establishing buffer zones or security belts, and displacement that has exceeded more than one million Lebanese.' 'It has become clear that the Israeli aggression against Lebanon will not be limited' to ongoing operations since the November 2024 ceasefire. On Lebanon's position: 'Nothing reinforces linking the conflict on our land to the wars of others more than reports of joint and simultaneous operations.' 'We are the victim of a war whose outcomes or end date no one can predict.' 'We will spare no effort to mobilize Arab and international support.' Context: - Israel expanded its 'buffer zone' declaration to the Litani River last week, effectively occupying an estimated 10% of Lebanese territory - Netanyahu ordered the IDF to 'further expand the existing security zone' to counter Hezbollah rocket fire - Lebanon's cabinet in March 2026 banned Hezbollah's military activities and demanded it hand over its weapons - Lebanese authorities and army completed a first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River - Despite the Lebanese government ban and partial disarmament, Hezbollah has continued firing rockets into Israel Significance: Salam is positioning Lebanon as a third victim of the US-Iran-Israel war — not a Hezbollah ally. This sets up Lebanon's diplomatic argument for international protection and compensation, and makes the case against Israeli territorial expansion to the Litani as disproportionate to Lebanon's own (failed) attempts to implement the November 2024 ceasefire terms. Source: Times of Israel April 2 live blog (Salam cabinet statement, 14:15 UTC).