Israeli Forces Attack Lebanese Army Site As Ceasefire Violations Continue
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Israeli forces opened fire on a Lebanese army position in southern Lebanon on February 19, a day after most Israeli troops withdrew from the country while maintaining a presence in five border locations.
“An Israeli enemy force consisting of two Merkava tanks opened fire on the Lebanese army center in the Birket al-Naqqar area south of the town of Shebaa, without causing any injuries,” reported Al Manar.
The outlet added that “a second force, accompanied by a military bulldozer, closed a road near the withdrawal line.”
Israeli troops also shot a civilian near the Wazzani River, injuring him as he inspected his damaged property. On Wednesday, one person was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle in the town of Aita al-Shaab.
Israeli drones hovered at low altitude over Nabatieh and other towns in southern Lebanon on 18 February, heightening tensions. On Tuesday, two people were wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the Manara military site targeted an area northeast of Mays al-Jabal.
Key roads in the region, including the Markaba-Houla road, have been cut off by Israeli forces, who established a new military site in the area. Despite withdrawing most troops early on Tuesday, Israel continues to occupy five key locations: Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill.
The Lebanese government has condemned Israel's continued military presence as a violation of the ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal deadline. In a joint statement with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, President Joseph Aoun announced plans to appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for action to pressure Israel into a full withdrawal. He emphasized that Lebanon would “adopt all means” to force Israeli forces out.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab, after a meeting with Berri, stated, “Any occupation of land will inevitably be met with resistance.”
