Israeli guided missiles and phosphorus shells strike the south... Army Command: Committed to defending Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji, who received the credentials of the new French Ambassador Patrick Doreil, discussed what Lebanon has reached regarding the future of the international forces in the south, “UNIFIL,” which will depart at the end of this year. Meanwhile, Minister of National Defense Major General Michel Mansi and Serbian Prime Minister Djordje Matic discussed the options available for the post-UNIFIL phase, emphasizing “the importance of continued support from friendly countries for the Lebanese Army.” Matic expressed his appreciation for “Lebanon’s firm stance supporting respect for Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Also in Baabda, President Aoun affirmed to the “Beqaa Meeting: Development and Belonging” delegation that “the main objectives of the negotiations have been defined: sparing Lebanon the ravages of war, protecting its sovereignty, stability, and national interests.” He stressed his openness to “every option and path that can contribute to achieving these goals, because the priority is protecting Lebanon and its people.” Aoun emphasized that “confronting the challenges Lebanon is facing can only be achieved through our national unity and internal solidarity,” adding, “Lebanon has many opportunities, and the important thing is not to waste them in narrow calculations, and to learn from the past to build a better future.”

In a related development, the Lebanese Army Command, in a statement, responded to “claims attributed to hostile Israeli media outlets regarding positions related to the army and its missions in the south, among other fabricated news,” affirming that “elements of the military institution are committed to its directives and the missions entrusted to them, and they perform their duties based on their belief in their national responsibility to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, away from any other calculations or considerations. The Command also enjoys the trust of sister and friendly countries, which continue to support the army, believing in the importance of its role, especially in light of the exceptional circumstances and challenges Lebanon faces.”

The Lebanese Army Command stated in the statement: “The timing of launching and spreading these rumors, at a highly delicate and sensitive stage, reveals the seriousness of attempts to target the army and its leadership, sow doubt within the institution’s ranks, and undermine trust between it and the Lebanese people. The Army Command points out that disinformation campaigns, regardless of the parties behind them, will not affect the military institution’s cohesion or its fulfillment of its duties, nor will it deter it from continuing to carry out its missions to maintain Lebanon’s security and stability.”

This came as residents of the city of Nabatieh and its towns and villages endured terrifying hours of attacks involving aerial raids and intense artillery shelling, the echoes of which reached the city of Sidon towards the coast of the Chouf district. The Israeli army carried out a major explosion in the town of Kafr Kanna, causing a tremendous roar, in addition to using drones to fire guided missiles against homes in the city of Nabatieh and Upper Nabatieh.

Israeli warplanes also bombed the town of Arab Salim, causing significant damage to its shelters. The occupying army continued its shelling with phosphorus shells targeting the heights of “Ali Al-Taher” and the hill of “Al-Dabsha” at the northern outskirts of “Upper Nabatieh,” as well as Doha Kafr Rumman, Mifdoun, and Zouitar Al-Sharqiya.

Meanwhile, MP Saida Joujouj, while chairing a meeting of the “Mount Arz Foundation,” stated: “The government has made clear decisions regarding the monopoly of weapons and the extension of state authority. Therefore, the question today is no longer what we want, but whether the state will be able to implement what it has decided.” She affirmed “support for the path led by President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun to protect Lebanon’s rights and reclaim Lebanese territories,” considering that “negotiations are not a concession when undertaken by a state that knows what it wants and maintains its rights.”

Meanwhile, former President of the Republic General Michel Suleiman said in a statement: “On the centenary of the Constitution and the eve of the anniversary of the proclamation of Greater Lebanon, the entire world sees Lebanon, the homeland, as great and very great, with its sons spread across the corners of the earth, carrying with them their presence, creativity, and influence.” He added, “Instead of weeping over its ruins, let us work together to make the state as great as the homeland.”