Beirut: MP Melhem Khalaf has strongly criticized the repeated incursions of Israeli settlers into Lebanese territories, labeling these actions as a new form of aggression against Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Khalaf argues that these incursions, accompanied by the settlers' stated intentions to establish settlements, transcend being mere border incidents and represent a dangerous attempt to alter the status quo through force.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Khalaf emphasized that the civilian status of those involved does not alter the nature of these actions, as they are occurring in areas under Israeli military control and in the presence of Israeli forces. He insists that Israel bears full international responsibility, whether by permitting these actions, failing to prevent them, or providing support and facilities for them.
Khalaf further stated that civilian status should not be a loophole to bypass international law. He stressed that these incursions violate the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 1701, which demands respect for the Blue Line and Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his condemnation, Khalaf called upon the United Nations and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to take swift action to halt these aggressive actions, prevent their recurrence, officially document them, and report them to the Security Council. He also urged the UN Secretary-General to include these incidents in the regular reports on the implementation of Resolution 1701.
Khalaf reaffirmed Lebanon's unwavering sovereignty over its entire territory, warning that unauthorized entries into Lebanese land require condemnation and accountability. He cautioned against using Lebanon's borders as a testing ground for imposing new realities by force or probing the silence of the international community.