Lebanese Army Convoy Comes Under Fire from Israeli Forces
A military convoy of the Lebanese army in the border village of Aytaroun has reportedly come under fire from Israeli forces, but no casualties were reported. Clashes between the two sides have intensified on the southern front after a significant de-escalation for just one day.
Hezbollah Targets Israeli Military Outpost
Hezbollah announced on Friday that it had targeted the Israeli military outpost of Misgav Am, which faces the Lebanese village of Al-Adayseh, with guided missiles, “damaging part of its equipment.” Hezbollah also said it attacked the “Al-Sadah outpost with guided missiles, destroying large parts of its installations and equipment and inflicting confirmed casualties among its soldiers.”
Israeli Operations Continue in Border Region
Israeli operations are still taking place in the border region with reconnaissance planes flying over the area amid fears of infiltration on the ground by Hezbollah. A guided missile was launched from southern Lebanon toward the Al-Manara settlement on Friday morning, and Israeli soldiers urged the settlement’s residents to remain in shelters. Israeli warplanes replied by targeting the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Mhaibib with two missiles.
Use of Prohibited Phosphorus Bombs
Earlier, Israeli forces had targeted an area adjacent to the Blue Line with phosphorus bombs, setting trees on fire. A military observer said that Israeli forces dropped internationally prohibited phosphorus bombs on purpose to expose the field and monitor the movement of Hezbollah’s members hiding amid dense trees.
Displacement of Border Region Residents
Approximately 600 families from the border region have fled to Sahel Al-Zahrani and are now scattered across 18 villages. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that 400 mattresses and 400 blankets have been secured for distribution to displaced persons in cooperation with the Lebanese Red Cross.
Hezbollah Casualties in Confrontations with Israeli Forces
Some 50 members of Hezbollah have been killed in confrontations with Israeli forces since the start of Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on Oct. 7. Mohammed Raad, the head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, said the group “defends the country and protects our security.”
Call for Political Unity to Protect Lebanon
Clerics suggested on Friday that sacrifices should be met with a solution to the presidential election file in order to save Lebanon. The country’s presidency has been unoccupied for almost a year, as parliament has been unable to elect a new president due to divisions between Hezbollah’s supporters and national sovereignty advocates. Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, vice president of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, called for Lebanese to put aside their political disputes and work together to protect national unity by quickly forming a political safety net. He emphasized the need to elect a president who unites all Lebanese and reactivates public institutions.
Iranian Delegation Arrives in Beirut
Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon has reported that a delegation from Tehran arrived in Beirut on Friday and met representatives of Palestinian factions.
Conclusion
The situation on the southern front between Lebanon and Israel remains tense, with clashes intensifying and both sides targeting each other’s military outposts. The use of prohibited phosphorus bombs by Israeli forces has raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the border region. Additionally, the displacement of hundreds of families highlights the impact of the conflict on innocent civilians. Amidst this turmoil, there are calls for political unity in Lebanon to address the ongoing presidential election file and protect national interests. The arrival of an Iranian delegation in Beirut adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation and protect the well-being of the Lebanese people.