Khaberni - Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Israel's recent actions in his country.
Threatening the sovereignty of Lebanon and the safety of its territories and the rights of its citizens
He emphasized in a statement, today, Thursday, after a cabinet session, that the Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, repeatedly threatens that Israel is active in occupying the area south of the Litani River, while the Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demands annexing the area south of the Litani River to Israel, and in both cases, it is a violation of international law.
He added that Israel had blown up most of the bridges on the Litani River in an effort to separate this area from the rest of Lebanese territory, while this was accompanied by a mass displacement of the populations of cities and villages south of the Litani, and daily encroachment of the lands, demolition of their houses, and sometimes bulldozing them completely as if it were a sign that there is no early return for the civilians to their homes.
Salam considered these actions and statements, under any title, such as the security zone or the buffer zone, as very dangerous, threatening the sovereignty of Lebanon and the safety of its territories and the rights of its children. It also completely contradicts international law, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter.
He noted that his government will not remain silent, as it is about to immediately file a complaint with the Security Council in this regard, announcing direct communication with the United Nations for the same purpose.
This came after the Israeli army issued an urgent warning to the residents south of the Zaharani River, urging them to evacuate their homes.
An Israeli raid targets the Khurdeli bridge in southern Lebanon
The army spokesman, Avichai Adraee, announced on "X," urging those located south of the Zaharani River to head north (north of the river).
He also confirmed that the army is actively working in that area against "Hezbollah activities." He warned that "anyone near Hezbollah elements, facilities, or combat means is endangering their life" and alerted that "any movement southward could endanger civilian lives."
The Israeli army has repeatedly issued evacuation warnings to a broad area in southern Lebanon that extends beyond forty kilometers, while several bridges connecting the banks of the Litani River were destroyed.
This warning came after raids earlier today targeted various areas in southern Lebanon.
It also followed the announcement that "Hezbollah launched attacks with drones on rocket launch platforms at Buryat base west of Lake Tiberias in northern Israel, as well as at “Dado” base near Safed, and an artillery battalion base in Shamir settlement in the Upper Galilee." Hezbollah also added that mortar shells were fired at the Israeli settlements of Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Nahariya, located near the Lebanese border.
"Security area"
It should be noted that the Israeli army began a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon on March 9, penetrating several border towns.
The Israeli forces, which occupied southern Lebanon for about two decades until the year 2000, also stated that they intend to control a "security zone" that extends to the Litani River, located about 30 kilometers from the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded statement, yesterday, Wednesday, "We have created a real security zone that prevents any infiltration towards the Galilee and the northern borders," adding, "We are expanding this area to distance the threat of anti-tank missiles and to establish a wider buffer zone."
He also confirmed that dismantling Hezbollah "remains at the heart of Israel's objectives," emphasizing that his country is determined to make a radical change in the situation in Lebanon.
