Lebanon accuses Israel of “systematic destruction” in the southern areas of the country

🔸Najib Mikati, Lebanon’s prime minister, accused Israel of “systematic destruction” of the southern areas of the country and called it a violation of international law.

🔸The remarks came after Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said the country’s army is carrying out the “destruction of all houses” in an area that Israel calls a “security zone.”

🔸On Wednesday, 21 Mordad, the Lebanese prime minister said Israel’s attacks and destruction, including the “systematic destruction of houses, infrastructure, government buildings and religious sites” in the south of the country, constitute a serious violation of international law and international humanitarian law.

🔸He also rejected Israel’s claim that the villages and towns of southern Lebanon are “military installations,” saying the claim cannot justify the destruction, the displacement of residents, and preventing their return.

🔸In response, Yoav Gallant, who was visiting southern Lebanon, emphasized that Israeli forces would remain in the “security zone” and said the country’s army is destroying underground infrastructure and “destroying all houses” in this area.

🔸A U.S. State Department official, in reaction to the remarks, told Agence France-Presse that the permanent presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon is not compatible with commitments undertaken and aims to achieve lasting peace and security.

🔸These tensions continue as Lebanon and Israel, since early Tir, are pursuing—via U.S. mediation—the implementation of a basic agreement under which the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon proceeds simultaneously with the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

🔸Read the full report on the Radio Farda website.