Lebanon rejects Israeli plans for ‘security zone’ in south

Lebanon’s defence minister said Tuesday the country rejects any Israeli attempt to establish a “security zone” in the country’s south or prevent displaced residents from returning to their homes, Anadolu agency reported. Michel Menassa said in a statement he strongly condemns remarks by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, warning they reflect “a clear intention to impose a new occupation of Lebanese territory.” He said the Israeli statements go beyond threats and point to “plans for forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the systematic destruction of southern villages and towns.” Lebanon “categorically and absolutely rejects” these threats, Menassa said, calling them a “flagrant and unprecedented violation” of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law. “Preventing Lebanese citizens from returning […]