Lebanese Forces Leader Warns of Escalating Conflict with Israel over Hezbollah's Gaza Support
Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, issued a warning on Saturday about the potential for violent escalation in southern Lebanon, which could result in an "undesirable situation." His comments came as clashes on the southern front between Lebanon and Israel continued to increase, fueled by Hezbollah's support for Hamas in Gaza.
Hezbollah's opponents accuse the group of attempting to seize control of peace and war decisions from the Lebanese state.
They are calling for the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, adopted after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, which grants the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and the Lebanese Army the authority to maintain peace along the border with Israel.
Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began nearly seven months ago, there have been near-daily exchanges of fire between Lebanon and Israel along the border.
At a meeting in Maarab, Geagea and attendees, including MPs, independent politicians, and opposition figures, issued a warning against weapons outside state institutions, which they deemed a threat to Lebanese sovereignty.
They urged the government to enforce Resolution 1701, deploy the Lebanese Army along the border and under the Litani Line in the south, enhance border control with Syria, and implement the agreement on refugee return.
Geagea criticized the presence of a power-holding group in Lebanon that confuses decision-making and facilitates smuggling.
Hezbollah initiated military operations in southern Lebanon without consultation with the Lebanese people, raising questions about their call for internal dialogue on the presidency.
Hezbollah claims these operations support Gaza, but they have only caused devastation for Lebanon.
Samir Geagea criticized Hezbollah, stating that the Lebanese Army's deployment to areas where Hezbollah is present would end the danger, and the government should take action to protect the people of the south from the presence of an Iranian military arm on Israel's border.
Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, cautioned against a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, arguing that it would benefit Israel and must be preceded by a ceasefire in Gaza.
Tensions were high due to concerns of a full-scale war with Israel, and diplomatic efforts from the US and France aimed to prevent escalation.
Both Hezbollah and the Israeli military had breached the rules of engagement, leading to hostilities deep into each other's territories.
Qassem spoke directly to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, urging him that war could not make northern residents return to their homes, but instead would push them further away and potentially prevent their return permanently.
He also warned that expanding aggression against Lebanon would complicate the situation further.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah announced that the group will respond proportionally to Israeli aggression, and any expansion of attacks will be met with an increased response.
Hezbollah's support for Gaza has disrupted Israeli military plans in Palestine and Lebanon, forming a deterrent force.
Hezbollah targeted new Israeli positions west of Shomera settlement on Saturday and struck the Haboushit site and Hermon Brigade headquarters in Maale Golani barracks with Katyusha rockets on Friday night.
An Israeli military drone killed two Al-Fajr Forces commanders, Musab Said Khalaf and Bilal Mohammed Khalaf, in western Bekaa, Lebanon.
The Israeli military accused Musab Khalaf of planning terrorist attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory and coordinating with Hamas in Lebanon.
In response, the Israeli military fired heavy artillery shells into Lebanese border towns, including Kfarchouba, Shebaa, and Tayr Harfa.
The Israeli military stated that the elimination of Musab Khalaf aimed to disrupt the organization's capabilities for planned attacks against Israel on the northern border.
In Kfarchouba, Lebanon, Israeli military attacks resulted in the death of Lebanese civilian Qassem Asaad and the destruction of homes and property.
The Israeli military claimed they targeted "Hezbollah facilities" in Jabal Al-Rihane area and Kfarkela.
Hezbollah confirmed the death of one of its members, Rafay Fayez Hassan, 50, from Khiam, in the shelling of Kfarkela.
They are calling for the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, adopted after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, which grants the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and the Lebanese Army the authority to maintain peace along the border with Israel.
Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began nearly seven months ago, there have been near-daily exchanges of fire between Lebanon and Israel along the border.
At a meeting in Maarab, Geagea and attendees, including MPs, independent politicians, and opposition figures, issued a warning against weapons outside state institutions, which they deemed a threat to Lebanese sovereignty.
They urged the government to enforce Resolution 1701, deploy the Lebanese Army along the border and under the Litani Line in the south, enhance border control with Syria, and implement the agreement on refugee return.
Geagea criticized the presence of a power-holding group in Lebanon that confuses decision-making and facilitates smuggling.
Hezbollah initiated military operations in southern Lebanon without consultation with the Lebanese people, raising questions about their call for internal dialogue on the presidency.
Hezbollah claims these operations support Gaza, but they have only caused devastation for Lebanon.
Samir Geagea criticized Hezbollah, stating that the Lebanese Army's deployment to areas where Hezbollah is present would end the danger, and the government should take action to protect the people of the south from the presence of an Iranian military arm on Israel's border.
Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, cautioned against a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, arguing that it would benefit Israel and must be preceded by a ceasefire in Gaza.
Tensions were high due to concerns of a full-scale war with Israel, and diplomatic efforts from the US and France aimed to prevent escalation.
Both Hezbollah and the Israeli military had breached the rules of engagement, leading to hostilities deep into each other's territories.
Qassem spoke directly to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, urging him that war could not make northern residents return to their homes, but instead would push them further away and potentially prevent their return permanently.
He also warned that expanding aggression against Lebanon would complicate the situation further.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah announced that the group will respond proportionally to Israeli aggression, and any expansion of attacks will be met with an increased response.
Hezbollah's support for Gaza has disrupted Israeli military plans in Palestine and Lebanon, forming a deterrent force.
Hezbollah targeted new Israeli positions west of Shomera settlement on Saturday and struck the Haboushit site and Hermon Brigade headquarters in Maale Golani barracks with Katyusha rockets on Friday night.
An Israeli military drone killed two Al-Fajr Forces commanders, Musab Said Khalaf and Bilal Mohammed Khalaf, in western Bekaa, Lebanon.
The Israeli military accused Musab Khalaf of planning terrorist attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory and coordinating with Hamas in Lebanon.
In response, the Israeli military fired heavy artillery shells into Lebanese border towns, including Kfarchouba, Shebaa, and Tayr Harfa.
The Israeli military stated that the elimination of Musab Khalaf aimed to disrupt the organization's capabilities for planned attacks against Israel on the northern border.
In Kfarchouba, Lebanon, Israeli military attacks resulted in the death of Lebanese civilian Qassem Asaad and the destruction of homes and property.
The Israeli military claimed they targeted "Hezbollah facilities" in Jabal Al-Rihane area and Kfarkela.
Hezbollah confirmed the death of one of its members, Rafay Fayez Hassan, 50, from Khiam, in the shelling of Kfarkela.
Translation:
Translated by AI
