Lebanon PM Condemns Israeli Airstrike as Treachery Following Military Deployment

Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati denounced Israeli airstrikes on Khiam as acts of treachery following a new military deployment by the Lebanese army to uphold a ceasefire. He called for swift actions from the US and France to address ongoing Israeli violations, while Amnesty International has urged for investigations into alleged war crimes related to Israeli attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties.

Beirut’s Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has condemned Israel’s airstrike on Khiam, labeling it an act of “treachery.” This airstrike occurred shortly after the Lebanese army began its deployment in the region, part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement aimed at calming tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The Prime Minister expressed his discontent, stating that these attacks contradicted the commitments made by the United States and France, who are sponsors of the ceasefire.

Following the attacks, Mikati urged both the United States and France to take action against what he termed as Israeli aggression, asserting that the responsibility falls on the monitoring committee overseeing the ceasefire’s implementation. He emphasized that immediate measures are necessary to prevent further violations. Israeli military operations in the region have included low-altitude reconnaissance flights and airstrikes that have caused multiple civilian casualties and destruction.

Mikati’s statements coincided with observations from the US Central Command leader, Gen. Erik Kurilla, who recognized Israel’s withdrawal from Khiam as a crucial step towards sustaining stop to hostilities. The presence of Lebanese soldiers in the region signaled potential stabilizing efforts, but reports of further Israeli violations have raised concerns. Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the recent Israeli airstrikes, highlighting the potential of war crimes due to indiscriminate attacks on civilians, further complicating the socio-political climate in Lebanon.

The tension between Israel and Hezbollah has historically been rooted in territorial disputes and military confrontations, particularly concentrated around southern Lebanon. Following the recent ceasefire brokered by the United States and France, the Lebanese army was authorized to deploy in regions previously occupied by Israeli forces in an attempt to stabilize the situation. However, Israel’s latest military actions have sparked questions over the durability of the ceasefire and the commitments made by international sponsors to uphold peace and security in the region.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes on Khiam underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement amidst rising tensions. The accusations of treachery against Israel not only reflect Lebanon’s frustration but also highlight the complexities surrounding international diplomacy in the region. The situation remains precarious, with calls for investigations into potential war crimes and an urgent need for international accountability to prevent further escalation.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com