Summary
The fourth phase of Lebanon’s municipal elections commenced on Saturday in southern governorates amidst ongoing Israeli attacks and ceasefire violations, marking the first local elections in nearly a decade. Polling, which opened at 7 am local time, follows heavy Israeli strikes that Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned as critical before the vote. Since the ceasefire established in November, nearly 3,000 violations have been reported, resulting in over 200 deaths and 500 injuries, despite Israel’s supposed withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, extended to February 18.
