Lebanese president warns against using country as launchpad after Israeli strikes

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned on Monday against using Lebanese territory to launch military operations, saying rocket fire from the south risks undermining efforts to keep the country out of a widening regional conflict.

In a statement carried by the National News Agency, Aoun said early morning rocket fire from southern Lebanon threatened government attempts to preserve stability.

“Using Lebanese territory as a platform for military operations unrelated to Lebanon will not be allowed to happen again,” he said.

Aoun condemned Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory but said those who ignore repeated calls to maintain calm bear responsibility for exposing the country to further danger.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called for an emergency meeting at the Presidential Palace later on Monday to assess the security situation and consider measures in response.

The move followed Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs and areas of southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah earlier said it had targeted the “Mishmar HaCarmel” missile defense site south of Haifa with missiles and drones, in what it described as its first such escalation in months. The Israeli military responded with strikes on targets in Lebanon.

In a post on X, Salam said the rocket fire from southern Lebanon, “regardless of who is behind it”, was an “irresponsible and suspicious act” that could give Israel grounds to expand its attacks. He said the government would take “all necessary measures” to pursue those responsible and protect civilians.

The latest violence comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran has since launched missiles and drones towards Israel and other regional targets, raising fears of a broader confrontation.