Lebanon PM Salam Condemns Israeli Strikes Amid Rising Tensions

Recent Attacks on Southern Lebanon

Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has expressed strong condemnation of Israel following a series of air strikes that targeted densely populated towns in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military conducted these attacks on Thursday, striking the towns of Meiss el-Jabal, Kfar Tebnit, and Debbin shortly after issuing a warning for residents to evacuate. This warning, which allowed just one hour for evacuation, was part of Israel’s announcement regarding planned strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in the region.

Call for International Action

In a post on social media, Salam urged the international community, particularly nations involved in the ceasefire agreement, to exert maximum pressure on Israel to halt its aggressive actions. His comments refer to the ceasefire terms established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah following the 2006 war.

Background on Hezbollah and Israeli Relations

The Israeli strikes occurred on the same day that Hezbollah commemorated the anniversary of a previous Israeli attack that resulted in significant casualties among its members. This earlier incident, known as the “pager attack,” left at least a dozen people dead and over 3,000 wounded. In the past year, Hezbollah has faced substantial setbacks, including the death of its long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in the suburbs of Beirut.

The Israeli military justified the recent strikes by asserting that they were a response to Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild its military capabilities in the area. Spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that these operations were necessary to counter what he described as “prohibited attempts” by Hezbollah.

Terms of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire agreement, which Salam referenced in his statements, outlines specific obligations for both parties. Under its terms, Hezbollah is expected to disarm and relocate north of the Litani River, while Israel is obligated to withdraw completely from Lebanese territory. However, violations of this agreement have been frequent, with Salam accusing Israel of intimidation and aggression that undermines the ceasefire and the internationally supported monitoring mechanisms.

The presence of Hezbollah’s weapons remains a contentious issue within Lebanon, often leading to internal conflict when attempts are made to diminish its military capabilities.

Escalating Conflict and Evacuations

The situation along the Lebanese-Israeli border has escalated significantly, particularly following the onset of Israel’s military operations in Gaza in October 2023. Reports indicate that exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have become a near-daily occurrence since then.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Beirut, Zeina Khodr, reported that the Israeli military’s warning of impending strikes led to mass evacuations in the affected areas. Residents were seen hastily gathering their belongings and seeking refuge in safer locations. Khodr noted that the Israeli forces targeted not only structures but also vehicles and motorcycles, claiming they were aimed at Hezbollah members and assets.

Despite a ceasefire that was brokered in November 2024, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have persisted almost daily. The ongoing military actions have placed additional pressure on Lebanon, particularly from the United States, which has called for the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of the year.

International Involvement

The ongoing conflict and the recent escalation have drawn attention from international actors, with France and the United States being the primary sponsors of the ceasefire agreement. However, the effectiveness of these diplomatic efforts remains in question as hostilities continue to flare.

As the situation develops, the Lebanese government faces the dual challenge of addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of its citizens while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by external pressures and internal divisions.

Key Facts

– **Prime Minister**: Nawaf Salam condemned Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon.
– **Targeted Areas**: Israeli strikes hit Meiss el-Jabal, Kfar Tebnit, and Debbin.
– **Evacuation Notice**: Residents were given only one hour to evacuate before the strikes.
– **Ceasefire Agreement**: Based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, established after the 2006 war.
– **Hezbollah’s Losses**: Significant losses over the past year, including the death of leader Hassan Nasrallah.
– **Ongoing Conflict**: Israeli strikes continue despite a ceasefire brokered in November 2024.
– **International Pressure**: The U.S. is pressuring Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2023.

Source: www.aljazeera.com