The bureau of Liberal International deplores the grave deterioration of security along the Israel-Lebanon border and the severe consequences for civilians on both sides.

We express our deep concern for innocent Lebanese civilians who have suffered from the ongoing hostilities, displacement, destruction of property, and the wider destabilization of southern Lebanon and for the residents of northern Israel who have been displaced from their homes or continue to live under threat of attack.

We recognize the right of Israel to defend itself. We condemn Hezbollah’s armed presence and aggression from southern Lebanon. We remain alarmed by the actions of the Netanyahu government that contribute to the suffering of civilians.

We welcome efforts by Lebanese officials and the international community to strengthen and take control of their territory. We deplore Iran’s continued role in undermining the ability of the Lebanese people to pursue a path towards peace and its hand in destabilizing an entire region.

We call for international support to realise a diplomatic and security arrangement that protects Lebanese civilians from renewed conflict, enables Israeli civilians to return safely to their homes in the north, prevents Hezbollah from re-establishing military positions along the border, and restores sovereignty to southern Lebanon.

We believe there exists a real possibility for a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon and support all international efforts to support that process.