AhlulBayt News Agency: Israel’s Minister of Military Affairs, Israel Katz, has threatened to intensify attacks on Lebanon, vowing continued strikes until Hezbollah disarms, escalating tensions as Tel Aviv persists in cross-border aggression.
“There will be no calm in Beirut, and no order or stability in Lebanon, without security for Israel. Agreements must be honored, and if you do not do what is required, we will continue to act, and with great force,” Katz declared in a Friday statement.
Katz claimed his threats of intensified attacks were in response to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s condemnation of Thursday night’s Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Aoun denounced the Israeli airstrikes, carried out on the eve of Eid al-Adha, as a flagrant violation of international agreements, presenting “conclusive evidence” of Israel’s disregard for regional peace and stability.
“This is a blatant violation of international norms, UN resolutions, and human decency, especially on the eve of a sacred religious holiday,” Aoun stated, as reported by Lebanon’s National News Agency.
He emphasized that targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs is “irrefutable proof” of Israel’s rejection of stability, resolution, and a just peace in the region.
Aoun further stated that Israel’s actions serve as a message to the United States, using Beirut as a conduit and the blood of innocent civilians as leverage. “Lebanon will never submit to this,” he asserted.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them a “systematic and deliberate assault” on Lebanon’s security, stability, and economy.
Salam urged the international community to “shoulder its responsibility to deter Israel” and ensure its full withdrawal from Lebanese territories.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri echoed the condemnation, stating that “Israeli aggression targets not just one sect or region but all Lebanese and Arabs—even in their holiest celebrations.”
On the eve of Eid al-Adha, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting densely populated neighborhoods such as Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj al-Barajneh.
On January 27, 2025, Lebanon extended the ceasefire with Israel until February 18. However, since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have repeatedly violated the agreement, launching assaults on Lebanese territory, including aerial bombardments.
Despite the February 18 deadline, Israel continues to occupy five key regions in southern Lebanon—Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all near the border.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was obligated to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18, and Tel Aviv has refused to comply.
To this day, Israel maintains a military presence at the five border outposts of Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis.
Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of at least 208 people and injuries to more than 500 since the agreement.
Lebanon has condemned Israel’s continued military presence, viewing it as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Senior officials in Beirut have pledged to take “all necessary measures” to remove Israeli troops from the country.
/129
Your Comment