Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned a wave of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, citing dangerous timing as municipal elections approach in the region.
At a Glance
- Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam condemned Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and urged international pressure for ceasefire compliance
- Israeli military targeted multiple locations including Toul, claiming they contained Hezbollah military infrastructure
- Attacks coincide with upcoming municipal elections expected to be dominated by Hezbollah and allies
- Israel has maintained a military presence in Lebanon despite November ceasefire requirements to withdraw
- UN Security Council resolution mandates only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers bear arms in southern Lebanon
Lebanese Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Military Operations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a strong condemnation of recent Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. The attacks targeted multiple locations including a building in Toul in the Nabatieh governorate, where the Israeli military warned residents to evacuate, claiming the structure was being used by Hezbollah.
Additional bombardments were reported in the southern Lebanese areas of Soujod, Touline, Sawanna, and Rihan Mountain, marking what Lebanese state media described as some of the heaviest attacks since the November ceasefire agreement.
Salam’s office highlighted the “dangerous” timing of these attacks, which coincide with upcoming municipal elections in southern Lebanon. These elections are expected to be dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, raising significant safety concerns for voters and election officials.
Despite these challenges, the Prime Minister has affirmed his government’s commitment to proceeding with the elections while taking measures to protect Lebanese citizens and sovereignty.
https://twitter.com/DropSiteNews/status/1925713061073056048
Ceasefire Violations and Military Claims
The November ceasefire agreement required Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. In exchange, Israel was to withdraw completely from Lebanese territory. However, Israel has maintained a military presence in the region, justifying its continued operations for what it terms “strategic” reasons. This arrangement directly contradicts the UN Security Council resolution that forms the basis of the ceasefire, which mandates that only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers can bear arms in southern Lebanon.
In its operational reports, the Israeli military claimed to have killed a Hezbollah fighter in Rab el-Thalathine and struck a Hezbollah military site in the Bekaa Valley. The military specifically described the target as containing rocket launchers and weapons. As of the most recent reports, Hezbollah has not issued any response to these Israeli claims. In a separate incident, a shepherd was injured during one of the Israeli attacks, adding to civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict.
https://twitter.com/ObserveLebanon/status/1921408625953636417
International Response and Future Outlook
Prime Minister Salam has called on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The Lebanese government’s position emphasizes the need for full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory in accordance with international law and UN resolutions. Despite the ongoing violations, Lebanon remains committed to upholding its responsibilities under the agreement while protecting its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens.
The escalation of military activity in southern Lebanon threatens to undermine the fragile stability established by the November ceasefire. With municipal elections approaching, the Lebanese government faces the dual challenge of ensuring electoral security while addressing the continued Israeli military presence. The international community’s response to Prime Minister Salam’s calls for intervention will likely play a crucial role in determining whether the region moves toward greater stability or renewed conflict in the coming weeks.
