Israel congratulated Lebanon on Thursday on the election of a new president, despite the lack of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the continued occupation of parts of Lebanese territory by the Israeli army and violations of the ceasefire agreement.

In a post on the X platform, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said: "I congratulate Lebanon on electing a new president after a long political crisis."

Saar added: "I hope that this choice will contribute to achieving stability and a better future for Lebanon and its people and strengthening good neighborly relations."

This congratulation comes despite the fact that Israel and Lebanon are in a state of ongoing hostility.

The latest manifestation of this hostility was the fierce war waged by Israel on Lebanon last year, which resulted in the killing and wounding of thousands, in addition to the widespread destruction of buildings in many Lebanese cities and towns, including the capital Beirut.

At the time the congratulations were issued, the Israeli army continued its violations of Lebanese sovereignty and breached the fragile ceasefire that ended the war on November 27, especially in the Nabatieh Governorate (south).

In the Marjeyoun district of this governorate, the Israeli army carried out, on Thursday, extensive bombing operations against buildings and homes in the towns of Houla and Rab Thalatheen.

In the Nabatieh district of the same governorate, Israeli drones have been flying since the morning hours in the skies of the towns of Deir al-Zahrani, Kfarjouz, Haboush, Arabsalim, Kfarreman, Toul, al-Kafour, Harouf, Yahmar al-Shaqif, Arnoun, and Kfar Tibnit.

Thus, the total number of Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, which entered into force 44 days ago, rose to 435 violations, according to statistics prepared by Anadolu Agency based on the announcements of the official Lebanese News Agency until 14:40 GMT.

Lebanon did not immediately officially comment on this Israeli congratulation.