Israeli artillery and air attacks hit southern Lebanese towns
Israeli forces have shelled the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Majdal Zoun with artillery while warplanes have carried out a dawn air strike on the nearby town of al-Mansouri, Lebanon’s National News Agency reports.
Machinegun fire was also directed towards the outskirts of the towns of Haddatha and Baraachit on Tuesday morning, the agency said.
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Lebanon army chief meets US delegation
Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolph Haykal met former US ambassador Edward Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), in Yarzeh.
They discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as the army’s tasks and the challenges it faces. The meeting was also attended by ATFL board members.
Haykal said the army would continue carrying out duties related to the framework agreement within its available capabilities, while Israeli forces continue attacks and violations of the understandings under the agreement.
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850,000 displaced Lebanese return home but crisis far from over: UNHCR
The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR says more than 850,000 Lebanese displaced by months of Israeli air strikes and bombings have returned home, but warns the crisis is far from over.
“Around 860,000 people are reported to have returned to their areas of origin, while some 360,000 people remain displaced, including at least 22,000 people living in collective shelters. Others report living with relatives or in overcrowded rented apartments,” UNHCR said in a statement on Tuesday.
But the UN agency warned that “despite declared ceasefire arrangements, fresh Israeli air strikes in south Lebanon over the weekend triggered a new wave of displacement”.
“The security situation in Lebanon remains fragile, and the humanitarian needs of hundreds of thousands of people remain immense,” it said.
Israel’s invasion earlier this year displaced more than one million people inside Lebanon during the peak of the conflict.
“While the intensity of hostilities has decreased, air strikes continue to put many lives at risk. Movement restrictions, military activity and risks related to explosive remnants of war continue to affect large parts of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, posing threats to safety and preventing sustainable solutions for conflict-affected communities.”
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Israel relocates Apache helicopter squadron to base on Lebanon border
The Israeli air force has relocated its 190th Squadron of Apache attack helicopters from Ramon Airbase in the Negev desert to Ramat David, the largest airbase in northern Israel, according to official and media reports.
A squadron of 15 helicopters was observed flying over Israel, heading towards its new base.
Israeli military sources told local media that the relocation is part of the lessons learned from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel, in which the air force recognized the need for a more diversified deployment by not concentrating all assets in one location.
The redeployment will reduce response times in the north, allowing the attack helicopters to be rapidly deployed to Syria and Lebanon within minutes.
Apache helicopters are used to escort infantry and armoured units and provide them with air cover in the field.
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