‘Israel’ drops leaflets warning against Hezbollah ahead of US envoy visit
The 'Israeli' army on Sunday dropped warning leaflets over several towns in southern Lebanon, just hours before the arrival of US envoy Tom Barrack to Beirut for talks on a proposal calling for exclusive state control over weapons in the country.
The leaflets, scattered over the towns of Yaroun and Khiam, targeted Hezbollah directly and cautioned residents against cooperating with the group. One leaflet read: “This place serves Hezbollah’s interests, which continues to threaten the region and drag it into danger. There is no economic benefit from questionable dealings with Hezbollah.”
The leaflet campaign came as part of a wider military escalation. Two explosions were heard Sunday morning in the town of Bint Jbeil, after the Israeli army reportedly detonated a concrete factory near Yaroun, sparking panic among residents.
In addition, an 'Israeli' drone strike targeted the Al-Mahafir area on the outskirts of Aitaroun in the Bint Jbeil district. No injuries were reported. Separately, 'Israeli' artillery shelled the outskirts of Kfar Shuba, while reconnaissance drones continued flying at low altitude over multiple towns in southern Lebanon.
The developments coincided with growing anticipation over Barrack’s meetings with Lebanese officials on Monday, during which he is expected to receive Lebanon’s response to the latest US proposal.
The American paper reportedly includes a key clause demanding the monopoly of arms be held solely by the Lebanese state, a demand that Hezbollah officials have strongly rejected.
Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, previously described the proposal as an “existential threat,” stating that any discussion of a national security strategy must be preceded by the removal of this perceived threat.
Qassem previously criticized the United States for proposing a new agreement that seemingly ignores eight months of previous violations. He asserted that the true goal behind ongoing aggression is to disarm Hezbollah in order to reassure 'Israel'.
Other Hezbollah officials have echoed this stance in recent statements, indicating continued resistance to disarmament under current conditions.
