Lebanese PM condemns Israeli attack that violated ceasefire

Israeli military in Lebanon/DOK IDF

JAKARTA - Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Israel violated Lebanon's sovereignty amid Israel's attacks in the country's southern region. Israeli attacks include explosions, artillery fire, and "systematic destruction."

"This ongoing attack is a clear violation of the ceasefire, as well as a blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and security, as well as the principles and rules of international law," Salam wrote on the X platform, as reported by CNN, Saturday, August 1.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that the Israeli military had destroyed a number of tunnels in the Beaufort area, southern Lebanon, using about 700 tons of explosives.

The statement said the underground infrastructure was a central part of Hezbollah's plan to raid settlements in northern Israel. It was also said that the operation was carried out following what Israel described as a "blatant violation" by Hezbollah of a ceasefire agreement the day before, but no further details were given.

In response, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the operation, as well as "the severe damage and serious impact (by the Israeli military) on most villages in southern Lebanon, which threatens the safety and security of civilians," the presidential office said.

The two Lebanese leaders also highlighted the impact of Israel's latest attacks on UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country's south.