Israel-Lebanon Conflict Could Have Been Avoided — Lebanese President

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon could have been avoided if Israel had fully complied with the 2024 ceasefire agreement and withdrawn from southern territories, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said.

Aoun made the remarks in a statement shared on X following a meeting with British Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, where he criticised Israel’s actions and warned of the consequences of escalating military operations.

“The war could have been avoided had Israel responded to calls to withdraw from the territories it occupied and complied with the 2024 agreement,” Aoun said.

He also condemned Israel’s intensified airstrikes on Beirut and the destruction of critical infrastructure along the Litani River, accusing Israeli forces of attempting to isolate southern communities.

“Israel’s bombing of bridges aims to isolate villages and towns south of the Litani River from the rest of Lebanon, with all the negative consequences resulting from this condemned act,” the Lebanese leader added.

The Litani River, a key geographical boundary in southern Lebanon, has been central to the conflict dynamics between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Aoun’s comments come amid renewed military offensives by Israel, with Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterating the country’s position on continued operations in Lebanon.

According to Katz, the Israel Defense Forces will maintain control over strategic areas, particularly around the Litani River, as part of efforts to curb militant activities.

“All bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the transfer of terrorists and weapons have been destroyed, and the IDF will control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” Katz said.

“The principle is clear: where there is terror and missiles—there are no homes and no residents—and the IDF is present.”