Israeli Air Force drones maintained a continuous presence in Lebanese airspace throughout Monday, conducting reconnaissance flights over Beirut and its southern suburbs, according to news portal Elnashra. The report indicated that Israeli surveillance drones were observed multiple times during the afternoon flying above the Baabda Presidential Palace, sparking public outrage in Lebanon.
MP Adib Abdel Massih condemned the flights as a flagrant violation of national sovereignty, stating: “This is a deliberate provocation aimed at pressuring the country's leadership. The response to Israel's blackmail should be a firm national stance, not humiliating silence.”
The distinct hum of drone engines was audible throughout the day across central Beirut neighborhoods, densely populated suburbs including Dahieh, Jieh and Hadath, as well as the outskirts of Aramoun, Bchamoun and Khalde. Although no strikes occurred, residents expressed deep concern that the intensive drone activity could precede attacks on suspected Hezbollah facilities.
In southern Lebanon, Israeli aircraft conducted a series of strikes on Monday targeting Shiite fighter positions in Jarmaq and Iqlim al-Tuffah region. Reports of aerial raids also emerged from areas surrounding Jezzine and Nabatieh, located approximately 70 kilometers from Beirut.
The developments follow President Joseph Aoun's October 11 appeal for Washington to address the volatile situation in southern Lebanon after finalizing the Gaza peace plan, describing it as an international priority. Meanwhile, American envoy Tom Barrack reportedly urged the Lebanese government on Monday to accelerate Hezbollah's disarmament, warning that “inaction by Lebanese authorities could prompt Israel to take unilateral measures, risking renewed confrontation.”
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Based on materials from TASS