Israeli actions are a threat to Lebanon's sovereignty, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has strongly condemned Israel's recent actions, saying they pose a serious threat to Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rights of its citizens. In a statement issued after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, Salam said that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's threats to occupy southern Lebanon and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's demands to annex the region are exacerbating tensions and violating international law. He stated that Israel has destroyed several bridges on the Litani River to cut off the southern regions from the rest of Lebanon, while the Israeli army has repeatedly warned of withdrawal from large areas of southern Lebanon, with a depth of over 40 kilometers.

This development comes after Hezbollah claimed to have targeted various military targets in northern Israel, including the Poria base, Dado base, and facilities near the Shamir settlement, as well as firing mortar shells at the Israeli border towns of Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Naharia. Salam said that the large-scale displacement of civilians in southern Lebanon, the occupation of lands, and the demolition of homes indicate that the return of affected people is unlikely. He emphasized that any attempt to establish a "security belt" or "buffer zone" under any name is a dangerous move that is against Lebanon's sovereignty and violates international laws and the UN Charter.

The Lebanese prime minister announced that the government will not remain silent on the matter and is immediately filing a complaint with the UN Security Council, while also contacting the UN directly. Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee directed residents south of the Zaharani River to move north immediately, saying that the army is taking action against Hezbollah's activities in the area. He warned that people near Hezbollah strongholds or military equipment are putting their lives at risk and that movement southward can be dangerous for civilians.

It is worth noting that the Israeli army launched a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon on March 9 and has expressed its intention to establish a security zone in an area extending about 30 kilometers from the border, including the Litani River.