The Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Mansi, expressed in a statement his strong condemnation of “the statements issued by the Israeli Minister of War, which are no longer mere threats, but rather reflect a clear intention to impose a new occupation of Lebanese lands, the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens, and the systematic destruction of southern villages and towns.” He said: “Lebanon categorically and absolutely rejects these threats, which represent a blatant and unprecedented violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a complete disregard for international law and international legitimacy resolutions. Also, talking about preventing the return of the Lebanese to their land and repeating the “Gaza model” in southern Lebanon constitutes a described crime that Lebanon will never accept.” He added: "Any attempt to establish a security zone within Lebanese territory, or impose control up to the Litani River, will be an intensification of aggression against Lebanese territory and national sovereignty, and will place the region in the face of a dangerous escalation whose repercussions cannot be predicted." Minister Mansi called on “the international community, especially the United Nations and the permanent members of the Security Council, to break the cycle of unjustified silence and take a clear and firm stance that puts an end to these threats,” considering that “ignorance or hesitation is no longer acceptable, but rather contributes to encouraging further escalation.”