UN calls for Israel-Lebanon peace push

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged Israel and Lebanon to “seize the moment” of relative calm and move closer to a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution to the issues that sparked a war in 2006.

In a report to the UN Security Council on implementing a resolution that ended the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah fighters, Mr Ban said “greater overall progress should have been achieved” since its adoption.

The resolution wants all militias in Lebanon disarmed, bans arms transfers to any group except the Lebanese armed forces, and urges the Lebanese government to secure its borders. It also calls for Israel and Lebanon to support a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution.