Lebanon presses US to push Israel for halt to attacks

Lebanon on Thursday asked the US to urge Israel to halt attacks that target southern Lebanese towns despite a framework deal.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the latest situation in Lebanon and the region, according to a presidency statement.

Aoun asked Rubio to push Tel Aviv to abide by the provisions of the framework agreement, cease land-clearing operations, allow farmers to access their fields, and refrain from targeting them.

He informed Rubio that the Lebanese army and security forces were fully carrying out their duties in implementing decisions to prevent armed displays, seize weapons and ammunition, and combat smuggling.

The Lebanese president stressed that the judicial authorities were following up on all cases referred to them, and there would be "no leniency" toward those responsible for violations.

Israeli has continued attacks in southern Lebanon since early March, killed more than 4,300 people and displacing more than a million.

In June, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, as well as the disarmament of Hezbollah, among other provisions.