Lebanon President Condemns Fresh Israeli Strikes

Joseph Aoun on Saturday condemned deadly Israeli airstrikes carried out a day earlier, describing them as a “blatant act of aggression” despite an existing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

In an official statement, Aoun said the attacks were aimed at undermining diplomatic efforts led by the United States and other international partners seeking to maintain stability in Lebanon.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 12 people were killed in Friday’s strikes on southern and eastern parts of the country, including 10 in the eastern region. The Israeli military said it targeted “several terrorists of Hezbollah’s missile array in three different command centres in the Baalbek area.”

Hezbollah later confirmed that one of its commanders was killed in the raids.

A member of parliament from Hezbollah, Rami Abu Hamdan, called on the Lebanese government to suspend participation in a multinational committee responsible for monitoring the ceasefire. The committee, which includes Washington among its five members, was formed to oversee the truce that came into effect in November 2024 and is scheduled to meet again next week.

Abu Hamdan said Hezbollah would not accept authorities treating the attacks as routine incidents. He urged Beirut to halt the committee’s meetings “until the enemy ceases its attacks.”

Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes in Lebanon since the ceasefire was announced, stating that its operations target Hezbollah positions. On some occasions, Israel has also said it targeted the group’s Palestinian ally, Hamas.

Although Hezbollah has been weakened following months of conflict with Israel, the group remains a major political force in Lebanon and continues to hold seats in parliament.

The latest escalation raises concerns over the durability of the fragile ceasefire and the future of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further violence.