Lebanon condemns Israel for military escalation at border

Lebanon's Prime Minister Tammam Salam condemned Wednesday Israel's military escalation in south Lebanon, while the Foreign Ministry noted that Hezbollah attack on Israeli troops in the occupied Shebaa Farms did not violate the Security Council resolution 1701.

In a statement, Salam said that "the Israeli escalation on the border with Lebanon after the Shebaa operation might pave the way for dangerous possibilities that do not serve peace and stability in the region."

He stressed that "Lebanon is committed to Resolution 1701, and it lauds the efforts of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers who lost a member of the Spanish contingent."

"Lebanon urges the international community to rein in the hostile intentions of Israel, which is gambling with the security and stability of the region", Salam said, stressing that "Lebanon stands united behind the legitimate armed forces that are tasked with defending its land, security, and people."

According to the statement, Salam called UNIFIL chief in south Lebanon General Luciano Portolano and offered his condolences over the death of a member of the Spanish brigade during the Israeli retaliatory shelling of south Lebanon.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and seven wounded earlier on Wednesday in a Hezbollah attack on a military convoy in the occupied Shebaa Farms.

The attack prompted Israel to shell areas in southern Lebanon in a significant escalation along the volatile border.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility of the attack that targeted several vehicles transporting officers and soldiers with missiles to avenge the Israeli raid on Syria's Qoneitra that killed six of its fighters and a top Iranian general.

Israel's shelling of Lebanese territory "was a response to an operation that was launched from the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms that lie outside of the Blue Line", Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said, stressing Lebanon's commitment to UNSCR 1701.

The Blue Line was demarcated by the UN following the 33-day devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah in July 2006.

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