Lebanese army vows to counter any Israeli attack

Lebanon army commander has warned that the country’s military will respond to any Israeli aggression, stressing that the Lebanese army is fully ready to counter any attack.

“The army shall not yield to any threat. It shall not remain silent on any attack,” General Jean Qahwaji said as he visited the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon on Monday.

Qahwaji said the Lebanese military is committed to the implementation of all United Nations Security Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 1701.

“The Lebanese army is keen on stability in the south and committed to clinching security there in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFL),” the General said.

The resolution, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, demanded the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from south Lebanon.

The general also pointed to the repetitive Israeli violations of the Security Council’s resolution, “while Lebanon does abide by the decisions of the international legitimacy.”

Earlier this month, Lebanon’s south was the scene of deadly clashes between Israeli and Lebanese forces. The ensuing tensions prompted the Security Council to call for calm and restraint by both sides.

Osn December 16, Israeli military said its forces opened fire on two Lebanese soldiers and hit at least one of them across the Lebanese border in the Ras al-Naqoura area.

The shooting incident took place hours after an Israeli soldier trying to enter Lebanon was shot dead by a sniper.