According to a statement on the Lebanese presidency, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, killing two people and injuring eight people, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and risking greater conflict.
Aoun called the strike a “continuous attack on Lebanon” and warned them that they “re-incorporate Lebanon into the cycle of violence.” He urged Lebanese authorities, including the military and a five-member committee to be responsible for the 2024 truce mediated by the United States and France between Israel and Hezbollah to address the escalation with “the greatest seriousness” to prevent further impacts.
The president directed Army Commander Rodolphe Haikal to protect civilians and investigate the strike, while calling for restraint of Lebanon’s “national interests.”
The United Nations temporary forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) alerted the violence.
“We strongly urge all parties to avoid actions that endanger vulnerability instability,” spokesman Andrea Tenenti said.
Israel said it launched Saturday’s strike after Lebanese territory fired rockets to Israel, blamed Hezbollah. Iran-backed groups deny participation.
The exchange took place during a lingering friction between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which went into effect on November 27, 2024, and suspended a year of hostilities in a year related to the Gaza conflict.
The truce stipulates that Israel evacuates from disputed Lebanese territory, but Israeli forces continue to occupy five border posts for the February 18 deadline.
