Lebanese President Criticizes Israel for Escalating Attacks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has accused Israel of escalating air strikes in southern Lebanon, despite Lebanon’s willingness to negotiate a resolution. The latest attack killed a man riding a motorbike in the village of Kunin.

Although a ceasefire was brokered in November 2024, Israel has maintained troops in five areas of southern Lebanon and continued near-daily air strikes, claiming to target Hezbollah positions. Civilian casualties, however, have been reported repeatedly.

“Lebanon is ready for negotiations to end the Israeli occupation, but any negotiation requires mutual willingness, which is not the case,” Aoun said during talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

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Recent Strikes and Civilian Impact

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), an Israeli drone targeted a man in Kunin, killing one and wounding another. A separate strike hit a building in Nabatieh, causing panic but no casualties.

The Israeli military claimed it targeted a Hezbollah maintenance officer involved in restoring infrastructure sites. Recent air strikes also killed municipal worker Ibrahim Salameh in Blida, intensifying tensions along the border.

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Lebanese Response and Sovereignty Concerns

President Aoun has ordered the Lebanese army to defend national territory and citizens’ safety, emphasizing that sovereignty, independence, and freedom are the responsibility of all Lebanese.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem urged the government to support the army in confronting Israeli “aggression” and to reclaim national sovereignty.

Hezbollah has launched cross-border fire into Israel since October 2023, during Israel’s war on Gaza. While the group has been weakened, Israel continues air strikes that have killed dozens of civilians, first responders, and journalists.

The UN human rights commission reports that Israeli forces have killed at least 111 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi called on Germany to pressure Israel diplomatically, emphasizing that military solutions cannot ensure stability in southern Lebanon.