BEIRUT: The Lebanese government continues preparations for a possible escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as Air France on Thursday extended its suspension of flights between Paris and Beirut until at least Sunday “due to the security situation” in Lebanon.
Tensions have continued to rise over the past week as Iran and its allies vowed revenge for the high-profile killings of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's top military commander, in Lebanon and Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Iran. . Israel is accused of carrying out both assassinations.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah forces continued to exchange fire with the Israeli army almost daily across the border between their countries.
Germany's foreign ministry repeated its embassy in Lebanon's call for all German citizens to “immediately leave” the country “due to the growing risk of military escalation in the region”.
Amin Salam, Lebanon's economy minister, said the conflict posed a significant challenge for the government. He stressed the need to ensure food security and maintain the supply of goods and raw materials in a country that “imports 90 percent of its needs and produces only 10 percent,” and said the Ministry of Economy is in a position emergency for three years. years.
“We need to reassure people about food security because we are constantly facing crisis and traders and citizens are exploiting the situation,” he added.
“One part of the private sector has saved the country from total collapse, while another part – a large percentage – is exploiting people's fear and concerns about the future and the lack of goods and food if a war breaks out.”
Regarding food security levels and strategic stockpiles of commodities and raw materials, Salam said the unions are reporting that “food products and raw materials available may be enough for three months.” More shipments are on their way to Beirut, he added.
“They will arrive in the coming weeks and can cover another two months, which means we have enough food and goods for five months.
“Israel's targeting of the Lebanese economy is systematic by destroying the agricultural sector and burning the Lebanese soil. Agriculture provided part of the country's foreign exchange through exports.”
Damage to the agricultural sector has cost the country billions of dollars, Salam said.
He added that “internal and external” media outlets had sounded the alarm warning that Lebanon's only airport, Rafic Hariri International, could be targeted.
“This was a blow to the tourism sector as it caused expatriates and tourists to leave Lebanon while bookings were cancelled,” he said.
Meanwhile, a car on a road connecting the towns of Yarine and Jebbayn was attacked by an Israeli combat drone on Thursday. Three people were injured, according to the Ministry of Health's emergency operations center.
On Wednesday evening, the Israeli army advanced north into the area south of the Litani River and carried out its first raid in the town of Doueir, destroying an uninhabited house belonging to the Rammal family.
And Israeli warplanes attacked the outskirts of Mansouri in Tire district, causing severe damage to property, crops and infrastructure.
Seeking to reassure Lebanese worried about the possibility of the conflict escalating into a wider war, Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad said the party “takes into account the unique characteristics of Lebanon and the highest national interests, as well as the interests of our people. .
“Therefore, while we are determined not to allow the enemy to break the rules, regardless of the cost or how far the confrontation may go, we act in the interest of our people and our homeland, which we do not compromise in any way. .”
He continued: “Those who want to stop the state of collapse and this volatile situation sweeping the entire region must press the Israeli enemy to stop the aggression against Gaza.
“But how can we understand calls for a ceasefire or to prevent escalation if these parties continue to supply the enemy with the latest missiles, anti-aircraft artillery and other weapons in their arsenals?”
His comments came as Hezbollah responded to Israeli attacks with a drone attack targeting Israeli soldiers at the Al-Marj military site. The party said it “scored a direct hit, causing confirmed injuries.”
Elsewhere, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a message posted on social media platform X: “Air force warplanes destroyed several Hezbollah infrastructure in Bint Jbeil, Majdal Zoun and Doueir.”
As part of diplomatic efforts by government officials in Lebanon and other countries with influence over the fighters to avoid further escalation of the conflict, Abdullah Bou Habib, the acting foreign minister, received a phone call from his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide .
The prime minister's press office said Eide gave assurances that Norway “is committed to working with all relevant parties to reduce tensions and prevent future conflicts” and that “prioritizing the interests of the Palestinians and achieving a ceasefire in Gaza requires avoiding igniting . of war in the region.” Eide also “reaffirmed that Norway, which attaches great importance to Lebanon, does not want it to become a victim of a new wave of escalation and wars in the region.”
Bou Habib said: “The Israeli escalation aims to disrupt the initiative launched by US President Joe Biden to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.”
He denounced Israel's “deliberate targeting of civilians in its attacks on Lebanon in flagrant violation of the principles of international law” and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which was adopted on 10 June and calls for a cease-fire agreement. in the war between Israel and Hamas.
