Significant Decline in Israeli Raids in Southern Lebanon, Army Commander Affirms Steadfastness Against Skepticism

Israeli occupation forces have escalated their systematic targeting of medical personnel and health facilities in southern Lebanon, with warplanes launching a fierce night raid targeting the town of Hannawiyah in the Tyre district. Field sources reported that the shelling hit two points belonging to the Islamic Health Authority, resulting in the martyrdom of four and the injury of two others in an initial toll expected to rise.\n\nThis targeting comes as part of a series of attacks that have repeatedly targeted paramedics for months, with statistics indicating the martyrdom of over 120 Lebanese paramedics due to Israeli raids. Days earlier, the occupation had destroyed a vital health center in the Maashouk area of Tyre city, which provided essential care services to thousands of citizens in the region.\n\nIn a related development, the past hours witnessed a remarkable decline in the pace of Israeli airstrikes, reaching only about 13 raids compared to previous averages of 30 to 40 raids daily. This sudden decrease raised a series of questions in Beirut's political circles about the underlying motives behind this relative calm and its sensitive timing.\n\nMonitoring sources linked this decline to the possibility of political or security movements taking place away from the spotlight, especially with the approaching date of an anticipated military meeting in Washington. The meeting is scheduled to include military delegations at the Pentagon later this month, amidst speculation that it is linked to broader regional negotiation tracks involving international issues.\n\nOn the ground, artillery shelling continued to target several border towns, while occupation forces carried out demolition operations of residential homes in the town of Khiam. Camera lenses captured thick plumes of smoke rising from inside the town of Naqoura, reinforcing hypotheses about the resistance targeting a military vehicle or tank belonging to the occupation army in that area.\n\nIn contrast, Hezbollah announced the execution of 16 military operations targeting positions and gatherings of occupation soldiers along the border line. The resistance used suicide drones and guided missiles in its attacks, confirming direct hits in the areas of Bayada, Ras Naqoura, and Deir Syriane, in response to continuous aggressions against civilians.\n\nIn the context of official stances, Lebanese Army Commander General Rudolph Hekal delivered a firm message on the occasion of the Resistance and Liberation Day, known as 'Order of the Day'. Hekal affirmed that the military institution is subjected to campaigns of skepticism and accusations of negligence, stressing that these pressures will not deter the army from fulfilling its national duties in protecting the land and the people.\n\n"The Army Commander explained that military personnel are exerting their utmost efforts under extremely complex field and security conditions to confront the repercussions of the ongoing Israeli aggression. He indicated that the army continues to carry out its operational tasks in the south despite the looming dangers, affirming that the institution will remain cohesive and strong in the face of all current challenges.\n\nHekal's statements come at a sensitive time, following the issuance of American decisions to impose sanctions on Lebanese figures, including army officers, on charges related to providing intelligence information. The Army Commander considered that such pressures aim to destabilize internal stability, stressing that the army will remain the impenetrable dam against any conspiracies targeting civil peace.\n\nGeneral Hekal emphasized in his speech that national unity is the strongest weapon Lebanon possesses in confronting crises, calling on military personnel to maintain their readiness and high morale. He affirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs and wounded from the military institution are the fundamental guarantee for protecting Lebanese sovereignty and preserving the dignity of citizens.\n\nBorder areas in the central and western sectors are witnessing intensive overflights by Israeli reconnaissance aircraft, despite the decrease in the number of combat raids. Lebanese circles are cautiously monitoring field developments, awaiting the outcome of international diplomatic moves aimed at containing the escalation and preventing the region from sliding into a comprehensive confrontation.\n\nIn conclusion, the scene in southern Lebanon remains open to all possibilities, between field escalation targeting health infrastructure and anticipation of the results of military talks in Washington. The suffering of border villages continues with ongoing artillery shelling, amidst official and popular Lebanese insistence on upholding the right to defend the land and confront Israeli aggressions.\n\nCivil peace and national unity are the strongest weapons to protect Lebanon and its stability, and the army will remain an impenetrable dam against conspiracies.