Aoun: “Targeting Infrastructure and Vital Facilities in Southern Lebanon Constitutes a Serious Escalation and a Gross Violation of Lebanon’s Sovereignty

President Michel Aoun condemned Israel’s targeting and destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities in southern Lebanon, particularly the Al-Qasmiyeh Bridge on the Litani River and other bridges.

He stated: “These attacks constitute a serious escalation and a gross violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, and are a prelude to a ground invasion, which Lebanon has repeatedly warned against through diplomatic channels. These actions reflect a dangerous tendency toward systematic destruction of infrastructure, civilian facilities, and residential areas in Lebanese villages, amounting to a policy of collective punishment against civilians, which is unacceptable, condemned, unjustified, and in clear violation of international humanitarian law that prohibits targeting civilians and their essential facilities.”

President Aoun added: “Targeting the bridges on the Litani River, the vital artery for civilian movement, is an attempt to sever geographic connectivity between southern Litani and the rest of Lebanon and obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid. This falls within dubious plans to establish a buffer zone, consolidate the occupation, and pursue Israeli expansion inside Lebanese territory.

In light of this escalation, Lebanon calls on the international community, particularly the United Nations and members of the Security Council, to assume their responsibilities and take immediate measures to deter Israel from carrying out this attack, as continued silence or inaction encourages further violations and undermines the credibility of the international community.”