Lebanon blasts Israel over ‘systematic destruction’ of homes, infrastructure in south

BEIRUT, Aug 13 — Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam harshly criticized Israel's actions in the south of the nation, calling them a violation of international law. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces were "destroying all the houses" and infrastructure in the region. Salam emphasized that the Israeli attacks, incursions, demolitions, and destruction of homes, government buildings, and places of worship were "a serious violation of the principles and rules of international law and international humanitarian law."

The Lebanese army reported repeated Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, including detonations in villages like Zawtar al-Shariqya, which borders one of the designated "pilot zones." Israel responded by deploying troops to maintain a so-called "security zone" in the south, vowing to destroy underground infrastructure and demolish homes. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun also met with US General Joseph Clearfield, who heads the coordination group engaged in the June peace agreement.

This conflict began when Hezbollah, backed by Iran, attacked Israel in March. In response, Israel launched heavy airstrikes and a ground invasion, resulting in over 4,300 casualties, according to Lebanese authorities. Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a framework deal involving the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region in "pilot zones."

However, the US State Department expressed concern over Israel's continued presence in the region, stating that a permanent military presence is not in line with the commitments made in the Framework Agreement.