Lebanese caretaker Defense Minister Yaacoub al-Sarraf hailed on Monday the cooperation between the army and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), saying it helped ensure stability in the South amid Israel’s Northern Shield operation.
Israel launched in early December the operation to uncover and destroy border tunnels dug by Hezbollah from Lebanon into its territories. As of last week, it has discovered five tunnels.
Sarraf made his remarks as he embarked on a tour of southern Lebanon.
He held talks with UNIFIL commander Stefano Del Col at the peacekeeping force’s headquarters in al-Naqoura.
The minister praised during the talks the military’s readiness to confront any challenge.
Moreover, he stated that Israel committed in 2018 “a record number of violations” that are still ongoing against Lebanon.
The international community must exert efforts to stop its behavior, Sarraf demanded.
He stressed that Beirut is committed to international resolutions, especially 1701, adding that it has no intention to attack anyone.
Resolution 1701 helped end a 33-day war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.
