Lebanese president condemns latest Israeli attacks, urges ‘comprehensive ceasefire’

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Lebanese president Joseph Aoun in Beirut January 9, 2025. [Anwar AMRO / AFP/ Getty Images]

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday condemned Israel’s recent attacks in southern and eastern Lebanon that have expanded, causing more killing and destruction and called for a “comprehensive ceasefire as fast as possible.”

“What we are witnessing today in the south and the Bekaa, the expansion of Israeli attacks and more killing and destruction, constitutes a dangerous and condemned escalation,” Aoun said, according to statement from his office on US social media platform X.

“The attacks have affected dozens of innocent people, including women and children, and were undermining efforts to solidify a ceasefire and end the war, especially after recent developments between the US and Iran,” Aoun said.

“That [recent attacks] will not prevent us from working to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible,” Aoun said.

“There can be no leniency on this issue, because a comprehensive ceasefire is the gateway to discussing the other issues, most importantly Israel’s withdrawal, the army’s deployment and the return of detainees.”

The statement come after at least 31 Lebanese had been killed in southern and eastern Lebanon since early Friday as Israel keeps attacking the country despite US-Iran deal coming into force.

READ: 28 killed as Israel keeps attacking Lebanon despite US-Iran deal coming into force

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir "I support Zionism without Qualification" Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his - Labour and Israel's - Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they've got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Keir “I support Zionism without Qualification” Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his – Labour and Israel’s – Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they’ve got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingLebanese president condemns latest Israeli attacks, urges ‘comprehensive ceasefire’

US stands with Lebanon, backs its ‘security and stability,’ Marco Rubio tells Lebanese president

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a press briefing at the White House on current issues in Washington DC, United States on May 5, 2026. [Fatih Aktaş – Anadolu Agency]

The US reaffirmed its support for Lebanon during a Friday phone call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Anadolu Agency reports.

The two discussed the current situation in Lebanon and the wider region in light of recent developments, the presidency said in a statement.

During the call, Rubio stressed that the US “stands with Lebanon” and said Washington would work to achieve “security and stability” in the country, ensure “the extension of state authority over all its territory,” and support Lebanon’s legitimate political, security and military institutions, “foremost among them the army.”

READ: Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire starting Friday, US official says

Aoun thanked Rubio for US support for Lebanon and stressed the need to halt Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory through a “comprehensive ceasefire.”

He said such a comprehensive ceasefire is “what Lebanon considers a cornerstone” for progress in Lebanese-US-Israeli negotiations scheduled to take place in Washington next week.

According to the presidency, Aoun said the talks aim to achieve Lebanon’s “constant objectives” of restoring the country’s “security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

READ: US intelligence warns Israel could undermine Iran peace deal: Report

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir "I support Zionism without Qualification" Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his - Labour and Israel's - Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they've got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Keir “I support Zionism without Qualification” Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his – Labour and Israel’s – Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they’ve got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingUS stands with Lebanon, backs its ‘security and stability,’ Marco Rubio tells Lebanese president

Lebanese president condemns killing of 3 soldiers in Israeli strike

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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Presidential Place on November 30, 2025 in Beirut, Lebanon. [Stringer – Anadolu Agency]

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday condemned the killing of three Lebanese soldiers in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, calling it a “flagrant violation” of the country’s sovereignty and international law, Anadolu reports.

The Israeli army acknowledged targeting a Lebanese military vehicle and said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the strike.

In a statement, Aoun condemned what he described as an Israeli attack on a Lebanese army patrol on the Khardali-Nabatieh road that killed two officers and a soldier.

He said the attack was part of the ongoing Israeli escalation that threatens stability and security in southern Lebanon despite diplomatic efforts and ongoing talks in Washington aimed at ending Israeli attacks.

Aoun urged the international community to assume its responsibilities, stop repeated attacks on Lebanon and ensure respect for relevant international resolutions.

Earlier Saturday, the Lebanese army said an Israeli strike targeted a military vehicle on the Kfartebnit-Khardali road in the Nabatieh area, killing a brigadier general, a captain and a soldier.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the strike as “a crime” and an attack against Lebanon and all Lebanese people.

READ: Israeli strikes in Lebanon kills 10 people, including 3 Lebanese army members

In a separate statement, Hezbollah condemned the attack as a deliberate crime and accused Lebanese authorities of making concessions that encouraged further Israeli actions.

Following the incident, the Israeli army said it had identified a vehicle moving suspiciously toward its forces near Kfartebnit in what it described as an active combat zone.

The army claimed it had received a warning about gunfire directed at its troops in the area and said intelligence indicated extensive Hezbollah activity there.

It said the vehicle was targeted because it was considered a threat to Israeli forces.

According to the army, an initial review showed that two Lebanese officers and a soldier were inside the vehicle.

The strike came despite a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April 17 and extended by Washington until early July amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed hostilities.

At the conclusion of four rounds of talks in Washington on Thursday, the US, Lebanon and Israel announced a declaration of intent that includes a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of the group’s fighters from areas south of the Litani River.

However, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the outcome of the talks, saying they were unacceptable to broad segments of the Lebanese population.

Israel has intensified its military campaign in Lebanon since March 2 amid the regional conflict linked to the war with Iran. According to Lebanese figures, the attacks have killed 3,558 people and injured 10,870 others, while displacing more than one million people.

READ: Netanyahu says no agreement currently in place with Lebanon

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingLebanese president condemns killing of 3 soldiers in Israeli strike

No military solution will provide security: Lebanese president tells Israel

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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun gives a speech in Beirut, Lebanon on February 16, 2026. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that no military solution can provide Israel with lasting security, urging Tel Aviv to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than force, Anadolu reports.

In an interview with CNN released Friday, Aoun said “Military solutions” will never bring security and safety to Israelis, asking the Israeli people whether they “really want to live” in a “perpetual war.”

“Military activities or military solution will never provide you with security and safety to the northern people, we are ready to sit and talk,” Aoun said.

“Aren’t you fed up with war since 1948? Do you want really to live in peace? Let’s sit and talk. For the Israeli government. It’s a time … for the power of reason to prevail over the reason of power,” Aoun said.

Lebanon and Israel have officially been in a state of war since Israel’s establishment in 1948. The most recent escalation started when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in response to a US-Israeli attack on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with senior military leaders.

“Our people along the border are fed up with wars, but you need to show some willingness and commitment to end this war for the sake of most people and on both sides of the border.”

“We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you?” Aoun said. “If you are not, you will never live in peace, safety and security.”

Over the course of three months, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in more than 3,500 deaths, forcing around 20% of Lebanon’s population from their homes.

READ: Hezbollah rejects Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingNo military solution will provide security: Lebanese president tells Israel

Israeli airstrikes target heavy machinery yards in southern Lebanon, destroy over 300 vehicles: Report

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The Israeli army violated the ceasefire by launching more than ten airstrikes on the town of al-Musaylih in southern Lebanon, causing powerful explosions, extensive destruction at industrial facilities, and the burning of bulldozers that were rendered unusable on October 11, 2025. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli army on Saturday carried out airstrikes on six heavy machinery yards along the Al-Msayleh road in southern Lebanon, destroying more than 300 vehicles, according to local media, Anadolu reports.

Citing the Health Ministry, the state-run National News Agency reported that one Syrian national was killed in the attack, while another Syrian and six Lebanese citizens, including two women, were injured.

It said that more than 300 vehicles, including bulldozers and excavators, were destroyed, causing an estimated loss of hundreds of millions of dollars.

The facilities, including buildings and tents, in addition to a number of cars that were parked in the area were also destroyed.

“The exhibition sites that were completely destroyed are considered among the largest and most prominent heavy machinery exhibition sites in Lebanon,” the agency said.

It added that the airstrikes left the area engulfed in flames and Al-Msayleh road was closed due to significant damage.

The Israeli army claimed that it “struck and destroyed Hezbollah’s infrastructure in the area of southern Lebanon, where engineering equipment used to rebuild” its infrastructure in the area was located.

From Sabra and Shatila to Gaza: The vicious cycle of US-Israeli ‘peace’ ploys

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun denounced the attack, calling it “a blatant act of aggression.”

“The seriousness of this assault lies in the fact that it comes after the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” Aoun said, and warned against a possible Israeli attempt to transfer the conflict towards Lebanon.

Separately, Israeli drones were reported flying over Lebanon’s capital Beirut, and the southern suburbs since early Saturday, according to the agency.

A ceasefire was reached in November 2024 following a year-long cycle of cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel that began in October 2023. The conflict escalated into a full-scale Israeli offensive by September 2024, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths and around 17,000 injuries.

Under the terms of the truce, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January. But it has so far only partially pulled out troops and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.

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Continue ReadingIsraeli airstrikes target heavy machinery yards in southern Lebanon, destroy over 300 vehicles: Report