Lebanon Warns of War as Israel Intensifies Southern Attacks

Lebanon is experiencing escalating fears of a renewed war with Israel, accompanied by official warnings about the dangers of being drawn into a new confrontation. This comes as Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling continue on various towns and areas in southern Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, speaking from Baabda Palace, cautioned against involving Lebanon in what he described as an "absurd adventure." This statement conveyed a clear message to Hezbollah regarding the repercussions of any new engagement in a potential war and the responsibility of parties that might push the country toward a new confrontation. Salam's warnings were not limited to the Israeli front but also extended to Lebanon's Arab relations. He condemned the involvement of any Lebanese elements or groups in the internal affairs of Arab countries, particularly through military activities that could threaten their security and stability, referencing an announcement by the Yemeni government on this matter. On the ground, the Israeli military continued to escalate its attacks in southern Lebanon. It conducted two airstrikes on the town of Tulousa in the Marjayoun district and targeted the outskirts of Markaba in the same district. Additionally, airstrikes hit the town of Aita al-Jabal (Zot) in the Bint Jbeil district, and the town of Kfar Tibnit in the Nabatieh district. Towns in Mansouri in the Tyre district, and Mefdon and Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh in the Nabatieh district, were subjected to Israeli artillery shelling. These attacks coincided with intensive low-altitude flights by Israeli warplanes over southern Lebanon and the Iqlim al-Kharrub region. The ongoing military operations and explosions targeting southern towns have fueled concerns about a widening escalation and its impact on the country's security and political situation.