Lebanon: Israel refused inspection request before Beirut strikes

The Lebanese army has accused the Israeli Occupation of undermining a ceasefire agreement by launching new airstrikes and refusing to cooperate with mechanisms aimed at preventing further escalation.

In a statement issued Friday, the army condemned "Israel’s" ongoing strikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, saying the attacks are a “continuation of its aggression” and a clear breach of the 2024 ceasefire agreement. The military added that its attempts to inspect targeted areas in coordination with the UN monitoring committee were dismissed by "Israeli" forces.

“Despite our coordination efforts with the monitoring committee to prevent an attack, and dispatching patrols to inspect several sites, the Israeli side rejected the proposal,” the army said, warning that Lebanon may reconsider its collaboration with the UN-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism if violations persist.

The latest "Israeli" assault, carried out Thursday evening, included eight airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs following evacuation warnings. Two additional strikes were reported in Ain Qana, a town in southern Lebanon. This marked the fourth and most intense round of attacks since the ceasefire came into effect on November 27, 2024.

Lebanon reaffirmed its commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which outlines the terms of the truce that ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and "Israel". The resolution mandates a halt in hostilities and calls for Lebanese military control in the south, with support from UN peacekeeping forces.

“The enemy’s continued breach of the agreement and refusal to cooperate with the monitoring committee weakens the role of both the committee and the army,” the Lebanese army warned, signaling that continued noncompliance could lead to “a freeze in cooperation.”

In a sharp response, "Israeli" Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning of his own, “Lebanon will enjoy no peace or stability without Israel’s security.”