Lebanon observed Resistance and Liberation Day on Monday at a time when Israeli attacks and tensions continue in the southern parts of the country. Lebanese leaders said it is not possible to fully celebrate the occasion while Israeli military actions are still ongoing.
The national day is observed every year on May 25 to mark the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in 2000 which ended 22 years of Israeli occupation.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a message on social media platform X that this year Resistance and Liberation Day should be observed not as a celebration but as a day of solidarity with people affected by the current conflict.
He said the occasion should stand with the families of martyrs injured people prisoners displaced citizens and the resilient residents of southern Lebanon and border villages.
🇱🇧Hezbollah fighters and local residents destroying an Israeli occupation post on their land in the southern town of Taybeh in May 2000, after the Israelis fled following successful resistance attacks. pic.twitter.com/lTkJItL3jw
— Al-Amili العاملي 🇱🇧 (@resist_truth) May 25, 2026
Nawaf Salam added that the real celebration will take place when Israel completely withdraws from Lebanese territory and people can safely and respectfully return to their homes.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also said in his statement that the liberation of southern Lebanon in 2000 was the result of sacrifices and determination by the people and that May 25 remains a symbol of national dignity.
He said this year the day comes at a time when many villages in southern Lebanon are facing Israeli attacks and what he described as a new occupation which violates international laws including United Nations Resolution 1701.
President Aoun said Lebanon remains committed to negotiations aimed at securing a full Israeli withdrawal from its territory while also highlighting the role of the Lebanese army and state institutions in protecting national sovereignty.
He stressed that Lebanon will not accept the current situation and that complete Israeli withdrawal remains a national demand.
Meanwhile residents of 10 villages in southern Lebanon were instructed on Monday to evacuate due to Israeli bombardment while fears continue to grow over rising tensions in border areas.
According to reports the Israeli Chief of Staff also called for action against Beirut following drone attacks allegedly launched by Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 21 injured in Israeli air strikes on Sunday while the total death toll from the ongoing conflict has reached 3,151.
