The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on Monday, at France's official request, to discuss the rapidly escalating developments in Lebanon. This call comes after the Israeli occupation army occupied the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, sparking a wave of international concern about the widening scope of the conflict.
Diplomatic sources reported that the anticipated session is scheduled to convene at 3:00 PM New York time. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed receiving notification from the French side regarding the move to hold this urgent meeting to put an end to the dangerous security deterioration.
On the Israeli political front, media reports revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held intensive security consultations aimed at approving new military plans. These plans include the possibility of launching widespread air raids targeting deep inside Lebanon, a shift that could change the existing rules of engagement.
Informed sources stated that Netanyahu contacted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asking him to give the green light for expanding military operations. According to leaks, the Israeli request includes Beirut, the capital, within the target bank, which represents an unprecedented escalation in the ongoing operations.
On the ground, occupation aircraft continued to launch violent raids targeting the city of Tyre and the vicinity of Jabal Amel Hospital, causing panic among civilians. The raids also hit the towns of Majdal Zoun and Siddiqin, amid continuous intensive overflights by warplanes and reconnaissance aircraft in Lebanese airspace.
Due to the intensity of the shelling, Lebanese civil defense crews were forced to evacuate their centers in Tyre, Sarafand, and Nabatieh and head towards the city of Sidon. This step comes in light of direct or near targeting of vital facilities, which hinders rescue and ambulance operations in the affected areas.
In contrast, Hezbollah announced the implementation of a series of military operations in response to continuous Israeli aggressions. In a statement, the party confirmed targeting a military vehicle belonging to the occupation army in the town of Dal using a suicide drone, confirming a direct and accurate hit on the target.
Hezbollah also indicated shelling an artillery position of the occupation forces in the town of Adayssa with a concentrated rocket barrage. These operations come within the framework of what the party describes as defending Lebanese territories and responding to the targeting of civilians and historical facilities such as Beaufort Castle.
Inside the occupied territories, medical and media sources reported that four people were injured as a result of a drone explosion launched from Lebanon and falling in the Beit Hillel area. Sirens sounded in wide areas of the Upper Galilee, Safed, and the vicinity of the Kiryat Shmona settlement in anticipation of further attacks.
Internationally, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condemnation of the ongoing escalation, stressing that there is no justification for these military operations in the south. Paris is coordinating with international and regional parties to try to contain the situation and prevent the region from sliding into an uncontrollable comprehensive war.
For its part, the State of Qatar, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the continued Israeli aggressions on Lebanese territories. The Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs discussed with the Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister ways to support stability in Lebanon and stop violations affecting Lebanese sovereignty.
In Washington, political readings indicate the existence of a memorandum of understanding that grants Israel the right to conduct 'limited operations' in the event of an imminent threat. However, observers believe that the Israeli interpretation of this memorandum may exceed the American concept of limited operations, especially with the threat to strike Beirut.
A state of anticipation prevails regarding the outcome of the Security Council meeting, and whether a binding resolution for a ceasefire will be issued. Analysts believe that the American position in the Council will be crucial, especially in light of Washington's declared commitment to supporting what it describes as Tel Aviv's right to defend itself.
The question remains about the extent to which the escalation in Lebanon is linked to the broader Iranian file, as speculations suggest the possibility of linking the two tracks. With important political dates approaching in the United States, field events may accelerate to impose a new reality on the international negotiating table.
Nothing justifies the dangerous escalation currently underway in southern Lebanon.
شارك برأيك
Netanyahu Plans to Strike Deep into Lebanon, Security Council Moves at French Request