Israel Informs Washington of Refusal to Withdraw from Lebanon, Continues Military Operations Southward

Areas in southern Lebanon witnessed a military escalation on the ground this Monday morning, as an Israeli drone targeted a civilian car in the town of Kafr Tibnit, resulting in varying degrees of injuries among citizens. This attack coincided with intense artillery shelling that targeted the outskirts of the town and the city of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, as part of the ongoing offensive operations launched by the occupation against border villages.

In another field development, units of the Israeli army carried out extensive demolition operations around the town of Khiam towards the Dardara area. The detonation of a booby-trapped vehicle and a remote-controlled drone was also observed on the road between Haris and Tibnin. These movements come amid continuous drone flights that dropped sound bombs over the Bint Jbeil district to intimidate local residents.

On the political front, media reports revealed a hardline Israeli stance towards international de-escalation efforts. Sources quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as confirming to US President Donald Trump that Tel Aviv does not intend to withdraw from the positions it has seized in Lebanon. Netanyahu clarified that his government is not bound by any understandings that might impose restrictions on its army's movements within Lebanese territory in the coming period.

For his part, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reinforced this direction with public statements in which he affirmed that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran would not be binding on Israel in any way. These statements reflect the desire of the Israeli right to maintain full freedom of military action on the northern front, away from international diplomatic pressures.

Amidst these tense circumstances, field sources observed a limited return movement of some displaced families towards the city of Tyre and a number of villages located south of the Litani River. Despite the residents' desire to return to their homes, extreme caution prevails in the region due to continued Israeli threats and the lack of clarity regarding a ceasefire.

In turn, local municipalities and the Islamic Health Authority issued urgent appeals to residents, urging them to be patient and not rush back to border areas before official announcements guaranteeing their safety are issued. The authorities warned that field risks, including mines and sudden shelling, still exist and pose a direct threat to the lives of civilians in villages that have witnessed clashes.

In contrast, Hezbollah announced the execution of a series of rocket and artillery attacks targeting Israeli troop concentrations around Khiam detention center, the town of Tayr Harfa, and Beaufort Castle. Hezbollah sources confirmed that its fighters also targeted a newly established artillery position in the town of Adayssa, emphasizing the continuation of defensive operations to repel Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory.

Netanyahu informed Trump that the Israeli army would remain in its current positions within Lebanese territory and would not withdraw from them.