Lebanese army urges calm as protests grow over Israel deal

Lebanese army urges calm as protests grow over Israel deal Lebanon’s army has said it respects the right to free expression as the country faces what it described as “exceptional challenges”. The army issued the statement after calls for demonstrations in Beirut and other parts of the country following Friday’s framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. “We call on citizens to act responsibly in light of calls for demonstrations in Beirut and other areas. We will not allow any breach of security or infringement on civil peace through actions with unforeseen consequences,” the army command said. The agreement, backed by the United States, has triggered protests in Lebanon, where many remain opposed to any arrangement seen as giving Israel continued leverage over the country’s security and territory.