Israel Continues Lebanon Border Incursions, Shelling; President Aoun Cites Violations
Southern Lebanon experienced escalating military activity on Thursday, including Israeli forces penetrating border areas, artillery shelling, military movements, and explosions. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that an Israeli force entered the Halta farm in the Hasbaya district and surrounded several homes, preventing residents from leaving. The Israeli military also shelled the town of Al-Mansouri in the Tyre district, accompanied by the movement of Israeli vehicles carrying explosives towards the town. An Israeli tank and a D9 bulldozer reportedly entered Al-Mansouri, and an Israeli drone dropped two sonic bombs on the Al-Aziya-Al-Mansouri road.
Israeli forces also carried out explosions in the towns of Hadatha and Wadi Barachit, according to the same source. Israeli drones were observed flying over the Tyre region at dawn. Lebanese President Michel Aoun stated during a meeting with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation that Israel continues to violate the framework agreement reached during Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington by persistently shelling and destroying occupied southern villages, bulldozing homes and property.
Aoun asserted that the Lebanese army is fulfilling its duties in the redeployed areas and that any claims to the contrary aim to undermine the army and question its commitment to political authority decisions. He emphasized that rebuilding the south is the responsibility of the Lebanese state but cannot occur under continued Israeli occupation. Aoun welcomed international assistance for reconstruction, noting that several countries have agreed to convene an international conference to provide support.
Regarding UNIFIL, the Lebanese president stressed Lebanon's commitment to the peacekeeping force's presence in the south due to its important role. He added that if UNIFIL's mandate cannot be extended, Lebanon would welcome any friendly country to continue its work, particularly in supporting the army and southern citizens in humanitarian, social, health, and educational fields. Discussions are ongoing to find a legal framework for such an international presence. Aoun highlighted the importance of strengthening the Lebanese state and achieving security and political stability as keys to the national economy.
The Israeli escalation in Lebanon has been ongoing since March 2, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and more than 12,000 injuries, according to Lebanese authorities, along with the displacement of over a million people.
