Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has called for French support for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories. Following conflicts, Israeli troops continue to occupy areas along the Lebanese border, prompting calls for action against daily violations. Additionally, a tragic incident involving a drone strike has raised concerns. Efforts against illegal arms smuggling are ongoing, alongside political updates regarding Hezbollah’s leadership under Iranian directives.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has urged the French government to advocate for the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories that were occupied during recent conflicts. In his meeting with French Ambassador to Lebanon, Herve Magro, President Aoun emphasized the necessity for pressure to be applied to stop daily violations and to facilitate the release of Lebanese prisoners within a specified timeframe.
Israeli forces remain positioned behind an earthen barrier constructed a week ago near the town of Mays Al-Jabal, while Lebanese troops are stationed a short distance away. In a troubling development, several homes in the town of Rab El Thalathine have been destroyed by Israeli troops, following similar destruction in the town of Yaroun in Bint Jbeil district.
Israeli military forces are situated behind earthen barriers and barbed wire, marked with signs stating “Do not approach,” at the entrances of Yaroun and Maroun Al-Ras. The forces are further supported by snipers concealed in the trees, while Lebanese army units are deployed nearby. A withdrawal of Israeli forces from the border area is anticipated on February 18, following a 23-day extension of the withdrawal deadline with U.S. approval.
Tragically, on January 29, Wajih Zahwi, a 7-year-old child from Majdal Selem, succumbed to injuries from an Israeli drone strike that occurred while civilians were returning to their villages, constituting a violation of the ceasefire agreement. In addition, the local municipality of Ramiyah reported that military intelligence indicated two army posts would be established within the town, alongside efforts to open secondary roads and inspect remnants of the Israeli aggressions.
In another incident, foreign photojournalist Courtney Bonneau reported being threatened by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon. She shared on Instagram that while in Taybeh, where the Lebanese army has redeployed, she was warned by the Israeli army, via UNIFIL, that she and another photographer would face lethal consequences if they did not vacate the premises.
Efforts by military and security agencies to address illegal arms have led to the seizure of a four-wheel-drive vehicle driven by a 43-year-old Lebanese man at a checkpoint on the Bekaa-Beirut road. The driver acknowledged that he had brought weapons from Syria; another companion was also arrested. Furthermore, military police intercepted a weapons shipment in Wardaniyeh that was being moved from a Hezbollah warehouse to an undisclosed location.
In related news, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has appointed Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem as his representative for Hussainiyah affairs and religious administration in Lebanon. This designation follows the death of Hassan Nasrallah, Khamenei’s previous representative in Lebanon, resulting from Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut.
The ongoing conflicts between Israel and Lebanon have resulted in a complex geopolitical situation characterized by territorial disputes. The Lebanese government seeks international support to address territorial occupation and violations of sovereignty. Recent events have heightened tensions in the region, particularly due to military engagements that have led to civilian casualties and destruction of property, reinforcing the urgency for diplomatic interventions and resolutions.
The situation along the Lebanese-Israeli border remains tense with ongoing military operations and threats affecting local populations. This revelation highlights the need for international engagement to address both the humanitarian crises and the territorial disputes that persist in the area. The Lebanese government is actively seeking assistance from France and other international actors to advocate for peace and the return of occupied territories.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
