Arabic version: رئيس لبنان يدين الضربات الإسرائيلية كتمهيد لغزو بري

Israeli forces have attacked the Qasmiyeh Bridge, a key crossing linking Lebanon’s south to the rest of the country, which President Joseph Aoun called a “prelude to ground invasion.” This strike is part of a broader military campaign against Hezbollah that resumed on March 2 following rocket fire from the group in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by Israeli-US forces. According to Al Jazeera, Aoun accused Israel of attempting to sever the geographical connection between the southern Litani region and the rest of Lebanon.

The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, had ordered the military to destroy all crossings over the Litani River and homes close to the border, claiming it was necessary to neutralize threats to Israeli communities. Katz likened the strategy to previous operations in Gaza, where buffer zones were established by clearing and demolishing buildings near the border. The Israeli army chief indicated that the operation against Hezbollah “has only begun” and would be “prolonged,” with preparations underway for targeted ground operations.

The Lebanese government has outlawed Hezbollah military activity and expressed a desire for direct talks with Israel. Katz had warned that failure to disarm Hezbollah could result in infrastructure damage and territorial losses. In the latest conflict, four individuals were reported dead in southern Lebanon, with 1,029 casualties and more than a million displaced since the fighting reignited.

Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the potential for war crimes, stating that the destruction of homes and infrastructure could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. The Health Ministry in Lebanon noted that the ongoing conflict has resulted in immense civilian harm, as access to essential services becomes increasingly restricted for those in the affected regions. The situation remains dire, with international calls for restraint as violence escalates.