Lebanese president warns Israel aims to derail ceasefire efforts

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has issued a sharp condemnation of a new wave of Israeli military strikes, accusing Israel of deliberately targeting diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace along the volatile border. In an official statement on Tuesday, President Aoun asserted that the Lebanese Armed Forces are deploying "with professionalism, precision, and discipline" to extend state authority in the south, as required under the current ceasefire framework.

Strikes Coincide with Crucial Diplomatic Meetings

President Aoun emphasized that the Israeli attacks "raise serious questions" because they occurred on the eve of a meeting for the formal ceasefire mechanism committee. This joint body, established after a November 2024 truce ended over a year of cross-border hostilities, is tasked with halting violence and discussing practical steps for stability. Its agenda includes the full withdrawal of Israeli forces to the international border, the release of Lebanese detainees, and the completion of the Lebanese army's deployment in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Aoun accused Israel of seeking to "derail local, regional and international efforts" aimed at de-escalation.

A Fragile Truce and Unfulfilled Withdrawal

The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire, which halted a conflict that resulted in over 4,000 deaths and 17,000 injuries. A key provision of the agreement stipulated that the Israeli army would withdraw from southern Lebanon by January of this year. However, Israeli forces have only partially pulled back and continue to maintain a military presence at five border outposts, a point of major contention for Lebanon. The recent strikes, which hit towns in southern and eastern Lebanon and even the coastal city of Sidon, injuring at least one person, have further heightened tensions.

Renewed Calls for International Intervention

In response to the escalation, President Aoun renewed his appeal for the international community to intervene effectively to halt Israeli attacks. He called for external pressure to enable the ceasefire mechanism committee to fulfill its mandate without obstruction. His warnings come amid Israeli media reports speculating about preparations for a potential large-scale military operation targeting Hezbollah positions if the Lebanese state fails to dismantle the group's weaponry, suggesting the threat of a wider conflict remains very real.