Lebanese Army to recruit 1500 new personnel for Israeli border
The Lebanese government will recruit 1,500 new military personnel to increase Lebanese Army presence along its southern border with Israel, according Asharq Al-Awsat.
On November 6th, a government cabinet meeting approved the funding, with Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemning the international failure to stop Israeli actions in Lebanon.
The decision was highlighted by the Minister of Information for its political and international significance, particularly in relation to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Resolution 1701 was intended to resolve the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2006 but it was never fully implemented.
Mikati, Prime Minister of Lebanon’s caretaker government, asserted that continued and escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon amounted to crimes against humanity.
He said the primary pathway to a resolution involves halting Israeli hostilities and fully implementing Resolution 1701.
This would allow Lebanon to elect a new president to restore institutional order, stability, and initiate reconstruction.
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While Mikati praised the solidarity shown by world figures, he decried the international failure to stop Israel’s attacks on towns and villages, and strikes against medical and relief personnel.
He said: “We condemn and hold the international community responsible for the continuation of Israel’s genocidal war on Lebanon, its destruction of towns and villages, killing of civilians, assassination of army personnel, and targeting of medical teams, civil defence, relief teams, and journalists.”
“Additionally, the attacks on UNIFIL, which represents international legitimacy, make targeting UNIFIL an assault on the international community and the Security Council. This destruction continues to affect hospitals, schools, and educational centres.”
Mikati thanked France for its humanitarian efforts and military support, highlighting the Paris Conference in Support of Lebanon late last month.
Though he referred to many positive discussions with international partners, he reiterated that Israel is “blatantly disregarding” international ceasefire efforts.
The Lebanese prime minister repeated his nation’s stance on safeguarding its dignity and sovereignty across air, sea, and land, pledging to confront any Israeli violations.
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The decision comes after the Israeli army failed to make an incursion in Lebanon’s southern border village of al-Khiam, after nearly a week of fierce clashes with Hezbollah, according to Levantis.me.
On November 3rd, Hezbollah’s television channel al-Manar said the city was now “completely devoid of any Israeli soldier,” including its eastern section, where heavy fighting took place.
The Israeli army meanwhile announced the killing of Hezbollah commander in the Khiam region Farouk Amin al-Assi as well as the killing of a Hezbollah special forces unit commander.
An Israeli military spokesman said Assi was responsible for carrying out rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on the Galilee and Metula areas.
Brig. Gen. Hassan Jouni, former deputy chief of staff of operations in the Lebanese Army, says it is still unclear what Israel’s next step will be.
Following Israel’s announcement that it was fortifying settlements near the border with Lebanon, a coming offensive seems less likely.
Jouni said: “Does that mean that they will fortify the settlements rather than carry out an incursion in Lebanon?”
“The picture is not clear, but talk of the first phase is either aimed at confusing Hezbollah or leaving the situation open for the Israeli army.”
Asharq Al-Awsat and Levantis.me
