Local Elections Kick Off in Southern Lebanon Amid Israeli Attacks

(MENAFN) The final round of Lebanon’s municipal elections commenced on Saturday across its southern governorates, despite continued Israeli strikes and violations of a ceasefire agreement. This vote is Lebanon’s first in nearly a decade, delayed since 2016 due to persistent political turmoil and security issues.

Polling stations opened at 7 AM local time (0400GMT) and are scheduled to close at 7 PM (1600GMT), with ballot counting to follow, according to a state-run news agency. The elections come just one day after Israeli warplanes and drones conducted extensive airstrikes, breaking the current truce.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the timing of the attacks, noting they occurred at a "critical time" ahead of the southern vote. The electoral process started on May 4 in Mount Lebanon, proceeded to North Lebanon and Akkar on May 11, and reached Beirut and Bekaa on May 18, as outlined by the Lebanese Interior Ministry.

Though a ceasefire was brokered in November, Israeli forces have continued near-daily assaults in southern Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah positions. That agreement had aimed to end months of escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which erupted into full-scale conflict in September.

Lebanese officials have recorded nearly 3,000 violations of the ceasefire, resulting in more than 200 deaths and over 500 injuries since November. The truce required Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, a deadline extended to February 18 due to Israeli delays. Israel still occupies five border outposts.

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