Lebanon Seeks International Support Amid Escalating Israeli Strikes in South

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam engaged in diplomatic efforts in New York, coinciding with intensified Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. Salam, accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, held meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss regional developments. He met with the Lebanese diaspora in New York, outlining his government's reform agenda and its commitment to making crucial decisions, particularly regarding the issue of weapons, despite challenges.

During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Salam emphasized the necessity of maintaining a UN-sponsored international force in southern Lebanon after the current UNIFIL mandate expires, to ensure continued international presence. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a stated that Syria aims to assist the Lebanese government and its institutions as much as possible.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued its escalation in southern Lebanon. Overnight, Israeli forces detonated several chalets in the town of Khiam, causing fires. The National News Agency reported power outages in the Hasbaya, Shebaa, and Arkoub areas following the explosions. Israeli warplanes also conducted a raid targeting the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while artillery shelled the towns of Al-Mansouri, Khiam, and Yahmor Al-Shaqif. Israeli aircraft were observed flying over southern Lebanon, with preparations for further raids.

Amidst the escalation, residents in western Galilee were warned of potential loud explosions. Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israeli forces would remain positioned in what he described as security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, indicating a continued Israeli military presence. The southern Lebanese towns, including Zawtar Al-Gharbiya, show signs of destruction and displacement, with residents awaiting the possibility of return as border tensions persist.