Lebanese PM demands 'full Israeli withdrawal'

New Lebanese prime minister, Nawaf Salam has called for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the country as he toured border areas that were heavily bombarded by Israeli forces during the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war.

“This is the first real working day of the government. We salute the army and its martyrs,” Salam said in the southern port city of Tyre while meeting residents of the border village of Dheira. “We promise you a safe return to your homes as soon as possible.”

He added that the government is committed to the reconstruction of destroyed homes which “is not a promise but a personal commitment by myself and the government".

Israeli troops remain at five key posts inside Lebanon in violation of the US-brokered ceasefire which was implemented on 27 November.