Israel Deploys Additional Troops to Southern Lebanon Region

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Warns of Threat to Sovereignty Amid Israeli Military Deployment

The Lebanese government has expressed concern over Israel’s military actions and statements, which it claims threaten the country’s sovereignty and violate international law. The Israeli military announced on Thursday that troops from Division 162 would be deployed in southern Lebanon as part of an effort to expand a “buffer zone” in the area.

According to the Israeli military, the deployment aims to address a perceived missile threat from the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Israel has been conducting aerial and ground attacks across Lebanon since early March, resulting in significant displacement of residents and loss of life.

The United Nations reports that over 1.2 million people have been forced out of their homes since the beginning of March, while at least 1,116 people have been killed and 3,229 others wounded. Foreign countries, including France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Canada, have called for de-escalation and urged Israel to avoid an expanded ground offensive.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned against Israel’s push to deepen its invasion during a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He stated that Israel’s actions and statements constitute a matter of utmost gravity that threatens Lebanon’s sovereignty and violates international law and the UN Charter.

Amnesty International has also expressed concerns over the destruction of bridges and homes in southern Lebanon, which it describes as evidence of Israel’s “record of atrocity crimes” in the Gaza Strip. The group is calling on world leaders to uphold their international legal obligations to halt Israel’s unlawful destruction of civilian property.

Hezbollah has announced plans to continue fighting against Israel, with the group stating that it will not limit its operations despite Israeli aggression.

Source: Al Jazeera