Lebanese army executes southern measures with precision—president

(MENAFN) Lebanon’s president said Tuesday that the national army is carrying out state-directed measures south of the Litani River with a high level of accuracy and professionalism, as tensions continue to flare in southern parts of the country.

In official remarks, President Joseph Aoun denounced Israeli airstrikes that hit several towns in southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday after evacuation warnings were issued. Another strike early Tuesday struck a three-story building in the coastal city of Sidon, leaving one person injured, according to reports.

Aoun said the timing of the Israeli attacks “raise serious questions,” noting that they took place just ahead of a scheduled meeting of the ceasefire mechanism committee. That body is responsible for overseeing efforts to halt hostilities and advance concrete steps to restore calm in southern Lebanon, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the international border, the release of Lebanese detainees, and the full deployment of the Lebanese army in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

“Israel’s continued attacks aim to derail local, regional and international efforts to curb the ongoing escalation, despite Lebanon’s cooperation and government measures to extend state authority south of the Litani River,” Aoun said.

“The Lebanese army has implemented those measures with professionalism, precision, and discipline.”

The president again urged the international community to take effective action to bring an end to Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory and to allow the ceasefire monitoring committee to fulfill its responsibilities.

The latest attacks come amid reports in Israeli media suggesting preparations for a potential large-scale military operation against Hezbollah positions, should Lebanese authorities and the army fail to dismantle the group’s weapons.

Lebanon and Israel have been observing a ceasefire since November 2024, following more than a year of cross-border hostilities linked to the war in Gaza. The violence resulted in over 4,000 deaths and around 17,000 injuries.

As part of the truce, Israeli forces were expected to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon in January. However, reports indicate that the pullout has been incomplete, with Israeli troops still maintaining a presence at five military outposts along the border.

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