Beirut, Lebanon – Israeli forces conducted strikes on several towns in Southern Lebanon early Wednesday, DZWatch has learned. The attacks follow closely on the heels of Beirut’s appointment of former Ambassador Simon Karam as co-chair of the delegation monitoring the ceasefire agreement with Israel.
The timing of the strikes raises concerns about escalating tensions despite recent diplomatic efforts. President Joseph Aoun stated that Karam’s appointment to lead the Lebanese delegation to the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee aims to protect Lebanon and avert the specter of war, not to favor any particular group of Lebanese citizens.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam characterized this new appointment as elevating the negotiations between the two sides to a “supra-military” level. Minister of Information Paul Markos relayed that Aoun, during a government session, emphasized that Karam’s instructions are to negotiate security matters related to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of occupying forces, the return of prisoners, and the demarcation of borders.
The recent Israeli military actions contradict the spirit of these diplomatic initiatives and threaten to undermine any progress made towards de-escalation. The Lebanese government has yet to formally respond to the attacks, but sources indicate a strong condemnation is expected.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available. The international community is watching closely to see whether these actions represent an isolated incident or a sign of a larger shift in the fragile peace along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
