Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned Israeli explosions at Beaufort Castle threaten the US-mediated framework agreement and regional stability.
Key Developments
- President Joseph Aoun condemned Israeli explosions at Beaufort Castle as a dangerous escalation.
- Lebanon said the blasts threatened implementation of the US-mediated framework agreement.
- Israeli attacks reportedly generated seismic tremors and damaged nearby villages.
- Aoun urged international guarantors to intervene ahead of framework talks in Rome.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned on Friday that large-scale Israeli explosions at the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon constitute a dangerous escalation that threatens the implementation of the US-mediated framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
In a statement carried by Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Aoun condemned what he described as continuing Israeli violations, particularly attacks targeting infrastructure and archaeological sites, saying the latest operation undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize southern Lebanon.
‘Dangerous Escalation’
According to Aoun, the powerful explosions at Beaufort Castle generated seismic waves equivalent to a magnitude 3.8 earthquake, citing Lebanon’s National Center for Geophysics.
He described the blasts as “a highly dangerous escalation” and “a blatant violation” of existing commitments under the framework agreement, warning that they directly threaten the diplomatic process launched following the June 26 accord.
The Lebanese president said the timing of the operation—on the eve of a meeting in Rome to discuss implementation of the agreement—”sends negative messages” and risks undermining international efforts to consolidate stability.
He called on the agreement’s sponsors and the wider international community to fulfill their responsibilities by pressuring Israel to halt actions that jeopardize the diplomatic process.
Israel Blows Up Homes, Shells South Lebanon despite Ceasefire Framework
Israeli Operation
Earlier Friday, Israeli forces carried out large-scale explosions in southern Lebanon, demolishing caves, homes, and tunnels beneath the historic Beaufort Castle.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation targeted what they described as Hezbollah tunnels beneath the UNESCO-listed site, claiming the network formed part of preparations for attacks on settlements in the Galilee.
Lebanese authorities said the explosions damaged homes in nearby villages and triggered seismic tremors felt across the area.
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Continued Violations
Israel has continued military operations in southern Lebanon despite the US-mediated framework agreement signed on June 26.
The agreement provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory alongside the deployment of the Lebanese Army and the disarmament of armed groups, including the resistance movement Hezbollah.
Lebanese officials have repeatedly accused Israel of violating the agreement through continued airstrikes, demolitions, incursions, and military operations across southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236 others.
(Al Mayadeen, Anadolu, PC)
I thought Aoun’s ‘deal’ with Israel gave them permission to take southern Lebanon. So what is he whining about now? Also, why is he so whiny about a heritage site? Did he miss the big show in Gaza? Israel will do the worst things imaginable to humans, so what would stop them from destroying structures? Aoun can cry all he wants to ‘daddy’ USA, but they will just give Israel more weapons and are about to merge their war machines. Aoun is a complete idiot. The Israelis openly say they aren’t leaving and want more of Lebanon than just the south. He also looks like he should be wearing a JDL t-shirt.
sends negative messages?? The “Israelis” sent the message that they meant to sent: we will destroy Lebanon! Aoun! PM! Traitor! Abandoned that worthless piece of paper! Drive out the US Ambassador! Support Hezbollah!