Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon as “dangerous,” urging international intervention while Israeli forces maintain they are targeting Hezbollah positions.
At a Glance
- Prime Minister Salam condemned a wave of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, describing them as “dangerous” and coinciding with upcoming municipal elections
- Israeli military claimed to have targeted Hezbollah sites, killing one fighter and striking multiple locations including a command center
- A recent Israeli retaliatory strike killed two people including a child, marking the heaviest exchange of fire since the ceasefire began nearly four months ago
- Israel was supposed to withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18 but remains in five locations despite UN resolution requirements
- The conflict has resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and displaced about 60,000 Israelis since escalation began after October 7, 2023
Lebanese Leadership Responds to Intensifying Strikes
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has issued a strong condemnation of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, characterizing the timing as particularly concerning. The Israeli military has targeted multiple locations including a building in Toul in the Nabatieh governorate, warning residents to evacuate due to alleged use by Hezbollah militants. Additional bombardments have been reported in several southern Lebanese areas including Soujod, Touline, Sawanna, and Rihan Mountain, according to local reports.
Salam’s office emphasized that the attacks coincide with upcoming municipal elections in southern Lebanon, raising significant safety concerns for voters in border towns. Despite these challenges, the Lebanese government remains committed to proceeding with the electoral process. The elections are expected to be dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, potentially explaining the timing of Israel’s military actions.
Ceasefire Violations and Civilian Impact
The November ceasefire agreement required Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure south of it, while Israel was to withdraw completely from Lebanon. However, Israel has maintained a presence in five locations for what it describes as “strategic” reasons. The agreement is based on a UN Security Council resolution mandating that only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers bear arms in southern Lebanon, with calls for disarmament of non-state groups.
Recent Israeli strikes have killed two people, including a child, in what Israel describes as retaliation for rockets fired into Israeli territory. Lebanon’s National News Agency described these attacks as some of the heaviest since the ceasefire began. Israel claims to have intercepted three of six rockets fired toward the town of Metula, though Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the rocket attack and stated its commitment to the truce.
The impact on civilians has been severe. A shepherd was injured in a separate Israeli attack, and residents have reported chaos during bombardments. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed serious concern over the potential escalation of violence, while Lebanese authorities have appealed to the UN for increased pressure on Israel to withdraw completely as required by the ceasefire agreement.
Regional Context and Broader Conflict
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah dramatically escalated following Hamas’ attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023. Since then, the violence has resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and displaced approximately 60,000 Israelis from northern communities. The Israeli military maintains it is targeting Hezbollah military sites, with a recent statement claiming they “struck a Hezbollah military site containing rocket launchers and weapons.”
The situation in Lebanon occurs against the backdrop of continued Israeli operations in Gaza, where recent airstrikes have killed at least nine people, including three children. Israel has vowed to intensify operations until Hamas releases remaining hostages, while international organizations report approximately 600 Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive. The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned the resumed attacks in both Gaza and Lebanon, calling for adherence to ceasefire agreements and protection of civilian populations.