Lebanese president says Israeli attacks in south, Bekaa undermine ceasefire efforts

Joseph Aoun has condemned Israeli military strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, calling them a dangerous escalation that threatens efforts to stabilise the region following recent diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran.

In a statement posted on X, Aoun said the strikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley constituted “an expansion in the scale of Israeli actions,” alleging that they had caused civilian casualties, including women and children, and risked undermining attempts to secure a ceasefire.

“These actions are effectively aimed at undermining all ongoing attempts to consolidate a ceasefire regime and bring an end to the war,” he said.

Aoun added that Lebanon would continue efforts to pursue a comprehensive ceasefire in upcoming talks in Washington, stressing that there could be no compromise on the issue.

He said any agreement would need to include the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and the return of detainees.

By Aghakazim Guliyev