Lebanese Army Signals Shift in Stance Amid Israeli Escalation

Reliance on ineffective mechanisms is no longer viable without a serious review

By Daoud Rammal (originally in Arabic) | English version prepared by Akhbar al-Yawm

A Lebanese ministerial source told the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency that the Lebanese Army's latest statement marks a notable shift in tone and approach as cross-border tensions with Israel continue to escalate.

The source said the army's remarks come against the backdrop of intensified Israeli strikes, which have extended beyond southern Lebanon to include Beirut’s southern suburbs, hitting civilian areas and critical infrastructure.

"The timing of the Israeli escalation, on the eve of religious holidays, is provocative", the source said, noting that the strikes also challenge international de-escalation frameworks, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Tripartite Committee overseeing its implementation.

According to the source, the army’s response was unusually firm, describing Israeli actions as an emerging pattern of daily, systematic violations of Lebanese sovereignty. The army condemned the attacks and warned of the broader impact on national stability and recovery efforts amid growing regional tensions.

The statement also revealed that the Lebanese military had launched early coordination with the UN monitoring body after Israeli threats emerged, but that Israel had rejected the committee’s proposals, a move seen as a disregard for international mechanisms and oversight.

Crucially, the source said the army hinted, more clearly than ever, at the possibility of suspending cooperation with the UN committee, particularly regarding on-site investigations. "This should be seen as a calculated message", the source said. "It reflects growing frustration with repeated violations and Lebanon’s sidelined role in the de-escalation process".

The message, the source added, was aimed both at the domestic audience, to reinforce the army’s commitment to national dignity, and at the international community, suggesting that continued reliance on ineffective mechanisms is no longer tenable without a serious policy review.

"The army is walking a fine line", the source said. "It remains committed to Resolution 1701 but is also warning that unchecked Israeli actions may force Lebanon to reassess its engagement with international oversight structures".