Lebanon says any Israeli presence in country is ‘occupation’

Lebanon condemned Israel’s presence on its soil as “occupation” Tuesday, after Israel said its troops would remain at five locations after the expiry of a deadline for it to withdraw.

After a meeting between President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, the three leaders said the Lebanese army was ready “to assume all its duties along the... borders,” presidency spokeswoman Najat Charafeddine said, adding Lebanon would also seek the UN Security Council’s help to “address Israeli violations and compel Israel to immediately withdraw.”