Salam condemns 'systematic' Israeli destruction in south

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has strongly condemned Israel's actions in southern Lebanon, labeling the ongoing destruction as "systematic" and a clear violation of international law. Salam stated that Israel's "attacks, incursions, demolitions and the systematic destruction of homes, infrastructure, government buildings and places of worship" breach fundamental principles of international and humanitarian law.

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attacks, incursions, demolitions and the systematic destruction of homes, infrastructure, government buildings and places of worship represent a serious violation of the principles and rules of international law and international humanitarian law.

He dismissed Israel's claims that villages are "military facilities," arguing that such justifications are illogical and cannot excuse the displacement of inhabitants or the prevention of their return. Salam's remarks came as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited southern Lebanon, pledging to maintain troops in a designated "security zone" and stating that the Israeli military was actively "destroying all the houses" and underground infrastructure in the area.

Despite a framework deal reached in late June between Lebanon and Israel, which includes the disarmament of Hezbollah, a gradual Israeli withdrawal, and the deployment of the Lebanese army, violence persists. The agreement was brokered with U.S. and Iranian involvement. While violence has decreased since the memorandum of understanding, Lebanon continues to report intermittent Israeli strikes and demolitions.

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destroying all the houses

On Wednesday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli troops conducted detonations in several southern villages, including Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh. The Lebanese army stated that Israel had destroyed the municipal building, a public school, a health clinic, a children's nursery, and numerous homes in Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh. U.S. officials have urged both parties to adhere to the framework agreement, emphasizing that a permanent Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments made and the long-term security of both nations.

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A permanent military presence in South Lebanon is not consistent with the commitments made in the Framework, or the long-term peace and security of both states.