Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the army and state security forces alone were responsible for citizens’ security, as Israeli attacks continued across southern Lebanon and Maronite bishops called for all weapons to be brought under state control. Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from Deir Mimas, a predominantly Christian town south of the Litani River, where he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to residents facing Israeli attacks and displacement. He described the determination of southern residents to remain on their land as the strongest response to Israeli displacement and intimidation, pledging continued support for those who stayed in their villages and those forced to flee. Municipal chief Tania Bernaba welcomed Aoun’s insistence that weapons remain exclusively in state hands and that decisions on war and peace rest with its legitimate institutions, particularly the army and security forces. She outlined the town’s difficult security, economic and humanitarian conditions, stressing that residents wanted to remain connected to state institutions and services rather than feel abandoned or isolated. In response, Aoun expressed solidarity with residents affected by Israeli attacks and pledged that the state would provide protection and support wherever security conditions permitted. “The Lebanese army and legitimate security forces will be the sole authorities responsible for citizens’ security,” he said, describing the state’s responsibility toward southern residents as a non-negotiable national priority. He added that political, diplomatic and negotiating efforts were continuing to halt Israeli attacks, secure a complete withdrawal from occupied territory and deploy the army to the internationally recognized southern border. Maronite bishops back negotiations Aoun’s position was echoed by the Council of Maronite Bishops, which condemned continued Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon following its monthly meeting in Bkerke. The bishops urged the international community to help displaced residents return to their homes, support ongoing negotiations and back efforts to place all weapons under state control. Meanwhile, several residents of Nabatieh al-Fawqa entered their town on foot despite Israeli threats, coinciding with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s visit to Nabatieh. Their return underscored the determination of southern residents to reclaim their homes, while highlighting the gap between government efforts to restore normal life and conditions on the ground, where Israeli threats and military operations continue. Israeli attacks continue across southern Lebanon The political statements came amid continued Israeli military operations across several southern towns, including artillery shelling, airstrikes and demolitions. Field reports indicated that Israeli artillery targeted Mays al-Jabal, while troops fired machine guns toward the outskirts of Baraachit and carried out major demolitions in Beit Lif and Aitaroun, in the Bint Jbeil district. Israeli aircraft also launched two rounds of strikes on Mansouri, south of Tyre, where a powerful explosion sent tremors through Tyre and neighboring towns. In Majdal Zoun, Israeli forces carried out two successive demolitions after artillery struck Beit Yahoun, Mansouri, Wadi Zibqin and Wadi al-Slouqi at dawn. Machine-gun fire was also reported toward Hadatha and the outskirts of Baraachit.
