Israeli army will leave Lebanon only if embargo on Hezbollah enforced: FM

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said on Friday that Israeli Defense Force (IDF) would leave Lebanon only if an embargo on Hezbollah was enforced, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

Livni made the remarks in Tel Aviv in a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

"Only if the international forces help the weak Lebanese army deploy in south Lebanon, and only if the embargo on Hezbollah is implemented, will the IDF leave south Lebanon," Livni was quoted as saying.

She also called on Syria to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and an arms embargo imposed on Hezbollah.

Bakoyannis, for his part, said that the Greek army would provide the multinational forces in Lebanon with a ship, a helicopter and troops.

Israel insists that an international force must be sent to south Lebanon before it lifts its air and sea blockade. It also accuses Syria as a key arms supplier to Hezbollah.

Israel imposed a complete embargo on Lebanon following its offensive in the neighboring country on July 12 following the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Lebanese Hezbollah.

The embargo is still being maintained after a UN-brokered ceasefire went into effect on Aug. 14.

Source: Xinhua