The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati thanked the commander of the UNIFIL forces operating in southern Lebanon, General Aruldo Latharo, this Tuesday afternoon for "the sacrifices made by these forces in the performance of their duties since their establishment until today, the latest being the injury of a soldier a few days ago." He praised the "arduous efforts made by UNIFIL during this difficult phase to alleviate tension and prevent, as much as possible, the escalation of military confrontations along and across the Blue Line, which is a result of Israeli provocations and violations of Resolution 1701." Mikati reiterated Lebanon's commitment to the presence of these forces in the south and to not undermining their missions and operational rules, which are carried out in close cooperation with the army.
Earlier that day, Latharo met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, in Ain al-Tineh, where Berri warned against "the enemy's escalation of aggression, repeatedly targeting civilians, journalists, and paramedics, exceeding the depths of southern Lebanon, along with threats to the Lebanese capital, Beirut, which increases the risks of the expansion of fire from the Israeli war in the region, contrary to international and Arab calls to adhere to international legitimacy represented by UN Resolution 1701 and the rules of engagement." He also commended the "efforts made by the international forces operating in the south in this regard."
