Israel Escalates Southern Lebanon Operations; President Aoun Warns of Occupation Impact

Southern Lebanon experienced a significant military escalation on Thursday, marked by Israeli ground incursions, artillery shelling, and explosions. The Lebanese National News Agency reported Israeli forces entered Halta farm in the Hasbaya district, surrounding homes and preventing residents from leaving. Israeli artillery also shelled the town of Al-Mansouri in the Tyre district, accompanied by military vehicle movements and the transport of explosive barrels. An Israeli Merkava tank and D9 bulldozer reportedly entered Al-Mansouri.

Further incidents included an Israeli drone dropping two sonic bombs on the road between Al-Aziya and Al-Mansouri, and Israeli forces carrying out explosions in the towns of Hadatha and Wadi Barchit. Intense Israeli drone activity was also observed over the Tyre region early Thursday, indicating ongoing air surveillance.

Amidst the escalation, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Aoun stated that Israel continues to violate the framework agreement reached during Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington by persistently shelling and destroying southern Lebanese villages and properties. He affirmed the Lebanese army's commitment to its duties in redeployed areas and warned against attempts to undermine its role.

Aoun emphasized that rebuilding the South is the state's responsibility but cannot proceed under continued Israeli control. He welcomed international support, noting that several countries have agreed to a conference to provide necessary aid. The President also reiterated Lebanon's commitment to the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) in the South, highlighting its role in supporting stability. He added that if UNIFIL's mandate cannot be extended, Lebanon would welcome participation from "brotherly and friendly" countries to continue supporting the Lebanese army and residents in humanitarian, social, health, and educational fields.

This escalation occurs amid ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon since March 2, which Lebanese authorities claim have resulted in over 4,000 deaths, more than 12,000 injuries, and the displacement of over a million people.