Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed doubts about Israel's commitment to the recently brokered ceasefire deal following a deadly drone strike in southern Lebanon on Saturday. The attack, which killed a motorist identified as Mohsen Charafeddine, has heightened concerns about the fragility of the truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
Speaking to Arab diplomats in Rome, Mikati highlighted the challenges facing Lebanon and accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement. "We are waiting for these measures to be implemented with an American-French guarantee, but we do not see an Israeli commitment to that," Mikati stated.
The drone strike occurred on the Khardali road, connecting Nabatieh to Marjayoun in southern Lebanon. This incident, along with continued Israeli reconnaissance flights over southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, has raised tensions in the region.
Mikati emphasized that the Lebanese army has begun expanding its deployment in the south, working to impose the authority of Lebanese legitimacy. He called for continued support from allies to enable the army to fully carry out its role.
In other developments, Israeli forces conducted operations in the border villages of Mays Al-Jabal and Kfarkila. A shepherd went missing in the Majidieh area, with authorities suspecting Israeli troops may have detained him for questioning.
The Lebanese army is currently engaged in recovery work in the town of Khiam, clearing roads and assessing damage caused by Israeli forces. Videos shared on social media have revealed extensive destruction to residential and commercial buildings in the area.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese University administration is investigating claims of a weapons cache discovered in one of its warehouse buildings in the Al-Janah area of southern Beirut. The university has called for restraint in circulating this information pending the results of a security investigation.
As the situation remains tense, both Lebanese and international observers are closely monitoring developments along the Israel-Lebanon border, with hopes that the ceasefire can be maintained despite these recent challenges.
