Lebanese President Visits Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made a rare visit to the southern city of Nabatieh on Saturday, amid concerns in Lebanon of further Israeli strikes following a recent military operation. He was accompanied by senior Lebanese security officials, including Army Commander Rudolf Helou. The visit occurred two days after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the destruction of Hezbollah's main underground complex on the Ali Taher Ridge, approximately 15 kilometers from the Israeli border. The IDF stated that the facility housed command centers, weapons depots, rockets, missiles, and drones, and was used by Hezbollah's Badr unit.

During his tour, residents approached Aoun, urging him to restore security to the region. Aoun affirmed the state's commitment to protecting its citizens and pledged to work towards the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced persons, and the reconstruction of areas affected by the fighting. Footage released by the IDF showed the demolition of Hezbollah tunnels beneath the Ali Taher Ridge.

Concurrently, a round of talks between Israel and Lebanon, originally scheduled for Rome next week, has been postponed until October. According to an American official, the ambassadors of both countries are expected to meet in Washington to discuss the continued implementation of agreements and the security situation.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated on Friday during a visit to southern Lebanon that the ridge served as Hezbollah's "central command, control, and combat infrastructure," emphasizing that the IDF would not permit the organization to rebuild its capabilities in the area. Reports from Lebanon on Saturday also indicated continued Israeli activity in the south, including airstrikes, artillery fire, and explosions in several areas.