Damage caused by Israeli strikes targeting the industrial city south of Saida at 1 a.m. on Tuesday Jan. 6, 2026. (Photo provided by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah)
In a statement released this morning by the Lebanese presidency, Joseph Aoun condemned the new series of Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
The head of state questioned the timing of these strikes "while the meeting of the 'Mechanism' commission [the committee overseeing the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah] is being held [scheduled for Wednesday]."
The committee will consider what steps should be taken to "end hostilities and examine practical measures to restore security and stability in the south, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the southern border, the release of Lebanese prisoners, and the full deployment of the Lebanese Army in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701," Aoun continued.
Aoun believes that Israel is attempting to "undermine all local, regional and international efforts to halt the escalation, despite Lebanon's cooperation in these efforts at all levels and the measures taken by the Lebanese government to assert its authority in the southern Litani region, implemented by the Lebanese Army with professionalism and rigor."
"President Aoun has renewed his call to the international community to intervene effectively to put an end to Israel's excesses in Lebanon and allow the 'mechanism' commission to carry out the tasks entrusted to it with the agreement of the parties concerned and international support," the statement concluded.
According to the most recent tally by the U.N. Human Rights Office, at least 127 civilians have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli strikes since the cease-fire came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024, until Nov. 24, 2025. This figure does not include Hezbollah fighters or those from other armed factions.
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