Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday condemned Israel’s strikes on infrastructure and key facilities in southern Lebanon, calling the destruction of bridges, particularly the Qasmiya crossing over the Litani River, a dangerous escalation and a clear violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

“These attacks mark a serious escalation and a blatant violation of our sovereignty,” Aoun said, warning that they could serve as a prelude to a ground invasion that Lebanon has repeatedly cautioned against through diplomatic channels.

He said the strikes signal “a dangerous shift toward the systematic destruction of infrastructure, civilian facilities, and residential areas in Lebanese towns and villages,” adding that such actions amount to collective punishment of civilians.

“This is unacceptable, unjustified, and a clear breach of international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits targeting civilians and essential civilian infrastructure,” he said.

Aoun also warned that the targeting of bridges over the Litani River — a vital lifeline for civilian movement — appears aimed at isolating areas south of the river from the rest of the country and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid.

“Destroying these crossings risks cutting off southern Lebanon and blocking access to basic assistance,” he said, adding that such actions could be part of “broader efforts to impose a buffer zone, entrench an occupation, and expand Israeli presence inside Lebanese territory.”

In light of the escalation, Aoun called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and members of the Security Council, to act swiftly to deter Israel.

“Continued silence or inaction only encourages further violations and undermines the credibility of the international community,” he said.