Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned on Saturday what he described as a dangerous escalation by Israel in southern Lebanon, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Israel’s “Scorched-earth Policy”
Salam called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that Israel’s approach of a “scorched-earth policy” would neither achieve lasting security.
In a televised address, Salam also defended his government’s moved to engage in direct negotiations with Israel, labeling the talks as the “least costly path” available to Lebanon.
“In light of the dangerous and unprecedented Israeli escalation over the past few days, it is necessary to step up political and diplomatic efforts to achieve a swift and real ceasefire,” Salam said.
He further accused Israel of pursuing what he labeled as a policy of “collective punishment” and “scorched earth,” arguing that its military operations have destroyed towns and villages across southern Lebanon and displaced large numbers of residents from their homes.
Salam’s remarks came on the heels of fresh evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli military to residents of several villages in southern Lebanon.
It also followed landmark security talks held in Washington a day earlier, where military delegations from Lebanon and Israel met in a rare event.
These talks preceded a new round of US-mediated negotiations set for early next week, marking the fourth such round since the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in March.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanon Involvement
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched a series of attacks to support its ally, Tehran.
As a result, Israel has launched an extensive military campaign that has since killed more than 2,000 people.
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