Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati warns of expanding regional threats

By Wassim Seifeddine

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned on Friday of increasing regional dangers due to recent alarming developments.

During a visit to the army command headquarters in Yarze, east of Beirut, Mikati said that "the current security conditions in Lebanon are distressing,"

Mikati addressed the "systematic and dangerous Israeli escalation" witnessed in recent days, reaffirming Lebanon's right to defend its land, sovereignty, and dignity by all available means, regardless of the sacrifices required.

He emphasized that the Lebanese government has communicated to friendly and brotherly countries that Lebanon advocates for peace, not war.

Mikati reiterated Lebanon's commitment to achieving lasting stability by reclaiming occupied territories in southern Lebanon and ensuring Israel's full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Hamas political chief Ismael Haniyeh was assassinated during a visit to the Iranian capital of Tehran on Wednesday. Israel has not commented on his death directly.

Hours earlier, the Israeli military killed Fouad Shukr, a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, and has also claimed eliminating Hamas commander Mohammad Deif and Islamic Jihad movement official Mohammad al-Jaabari.

Both Hamas and Iran have vowed to retaliate for Haniyeh's assassination, and Hezbollah has promised a response to Shukr's killing.

International efforts are ongoing to de-escalate the situation to prevent further conflict in the region.

Fears have grown of a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah amid a months-long exchange of cross-border fire.

The escalation comes against the backdrop of an Israeli onslaught on Gaza, which has killed nearly 39,500 people since last October, following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi