Lebanese mobilization on security, relief, and electricity tracks... and Israeli escalation in the south

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: A mood of anticipation has gripped Lebanon amid Israeli media reports warning of a potential multi-front military confrontation this month that could spill over into Lebanese territory, coinciding with an escalation in Israeli military operations in the south.

This atmosphere has been reinforced by an increase in the frequency of daily drone flights over Beirut’s southern suburb, alongside a series of raids and shelling in several southern areas. The National News Agency reported that shelling targeted the area around Ain el-Ibel, where more than 10 shells landed. An Israeli tank fired from the Khiam area toward agricultural lands in Ain el-Ibel, while artillery fire also struck the outskirts of the town of Kfar Kila in the Bint Jbeil district. This was accompanied by a sweep operation using machine guns from Khiam toward Ain el-Ibel.

Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on the towns of Qasir in the Marjayoun district and Kafr Kila, while major explosions hit the towns of Beit Yahoun and Bani Hayan, signaling continued field tensions and an expansion of operations in the south.

Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raje discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, as well as the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts and joint coordination to de-escalate tensions and enhance security and stability in the region, during a phone call.

According to the Qatari News Agency, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister affirmed Qatar’s support for all diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at securing a solution that guarantees freedom of maritime navigation and paves the way for a comprehensive agreement ensuring sustainable peace in the region.

Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati, addressing visitors at his residence in Tripoli, stated: “The government is required to act swiftly to implement the decisions taken during its session held in February of this year, and to instruct the relevant ministries and the Supreme Relief Authority to expedite the translation of these decisions into action to prevent new disasters.”

He added: “I endorse the words of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who said after the cabinet session that people’s lives are the top priority, and that funds are secured through the Supreme Relief Authority. We will secure additional funds if necessary, because people’s lives are our foremost priority.”

In a separate development, the Lebanese Electricity Company (EDL) began collecting overdue bills from official institutions, which the company had threatened to cut off from electricity if they failed to pay. This issue took precedence over all other concerns of President Joseph Aoun yesterday, who met with Minister of Telecommunications Charles Hajj. The first outcome was the referral of the Ministry of Telecommunications’ arrears to the Ministry of Finance.