Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon as debate grows over framework agreement

Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes and artillery attacks in southern Lebanon on Monday, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding a recently announced framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), Israeli warplanes struck the area between the towns of Qantara and Deir Siryan in the Marjeyoun district.

The agency also reported heavy Israeli artillery shelling on the outskirts of Deir Siryan toward the Litani River, as well as bombardment targeting the town of Haddatha in the Bint Jbeil district.

The latest strikes come as political debate intensifies in Lebanon over the US-backed framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

Critics of the agreement have expressed concern that it could legitimise Israel’s military presence in recently occupied areas, facilitate the displacement of residents and weaken Lebanon’s legal claims against Israel over alleged violations committed on Lebanese territory.

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Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, describing it as “stillborn” and saying it cannot be implemented.

Meanwhile, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israeli forces have not yet withdrawn from any positions in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz has also indicated that the Israeli military could maintain a long-term presence in parts of southern Lebanon.

Separately, The Washington Post, citing a US official, reported that Washington is expected to play a central role in monitoring compliance with the framework agreement by both the Lebanese and Israeli militaries, including the possibility of deploying US personnel on the ground in both countries.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also announced that its commander, General Brad Cooper, met senior political and military officials in both Israel and Lebanon during a regional tour focused on security developments and implementation of the agreement.

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