Aoun condemns Qasmieh bridge attack, warns of potential Israeli 'ground invasion'

BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun on Sunday condemned Israel’s targeting and destruction of vital state infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including the Qasmieh bridge in Sour's district over the Litani River, calling it a “dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty” and warning of an imminent “ground invasion.”

In a statement posted on the presidency’s X account, Aoun warned that the strikes could be seen as “dubious plans to establish a buffer zone, consolidate the occupation, and pursue Israeli expansion into Lebanese territory.” Lebanese officials have repeatedly warned against Israeli ground operations in the country through diplomatic channels.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Israeli army destroyed the strategic bridge, severing a key link between southern Lebanon's Sour district and the rest of the country.

Aoun said the attacks reflect a “worrying trend” of systematically destroying infrastructure, civil services and residential areas in Lebanese villages, adding that they amount to “collective punishment” against civilians in violation of international humanitarian law.

“Targeting the bridges over the Litani River, vital arteries for civilian movement, constitutes an attempt to break the geographic continuity between the south of the Litani and the rest of Lebanese territory, and hinders the delivery of humanitarian aid,” he said.

Earlier on in the day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz that his army intends to completely destroy border villages in southern Lebanon, as it has done in Rafah and Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, and to isolate areas south of the Litani by destroying bridges.

In this context, Aoun called on the international community — particularly the United Nations and members of the Security Council — to “assume their responsibilities” and take immediate action to deter further attacks.

“Continuing to remain silent or inactive encourages further violations and undermines the credibility of the international community,” he said.