Channel 13 in Israel reported that “Barak clarified that if this does not happen, Israel will be able to launch attacks and the United States will understand.” The channel noted that “the Israeli army is preparing for a round of fighting that could last several days against ‘Hezbollah,’ as Israel escalates its threats to resume bombing, hoping that pressure on the Lebanese government will lead to the disarmament of ‘Hezbollah.’
A U.S. State Department official earlier stated that “disarming Hezbollah and ending Iran’s activities through its proxies is crucial for stability in Lebanon.” U.S. envoy Tom Barak confirmed that “it is inconceivable that there is no dialogue between Lebanon and Israel,” describing Lebanon as a “failed state,” and affirming that all sectors and banks there have issues.
He added that “there will be no problem between Lebanon and Israel if Hezbollah is disarmed,” continuing: “Lebanon has no time and must quickly confine the weapons.” The U.S. envoy to Lebanon also confirmed that “Israel bombs southern Lebanon daily because Hezbollah’s weapons still exist,” pointing out that “Israel is ready to reach an agreement with Lebanon regarding the borders.”
The Israeli army announced earlier “in the town of Kounine in southern Lebanon.” The Israeli army stated in a declaration that “it attacked the area of Kounine in southern Lebanon earlier and eliminated the terrorist Ibrahim Mohammed Raslan, who served as a maintenance officer in the terrorist Hezbollah, who was attempting to rebuild the party’s terrorist infrastructure,” according to the statement.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun last Thursday issued direct instructions to Army Commander General Rudolf Heikal to confront any Israeli incursion into the liberated southern territories, defending national sovereignty and citizen safety. The ceasefire agreement between ‘Hezbollah’ came into effect on November 27, 2024, and the Israeli army was supposed to complete its withdrawal from areas it occupied in southern Lebanon by January 26 of last year. However, Israel did not adhere to the deadline and maintained its military presence in five strategic points in the south of the country, continuing to carry out airstrikes against various areas of Lebanon, justifying this “for ensuring the protection of northern settlements,” while Lebanon asserts its firm rejection of Israeli aggressions and calls for their cessation.
