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Arab League condemns Israel's strikes on Lebanon

CAIRO: The Arab League has condemned Israel's attacks against Lebanon and pledged its support for all measures taken by Lebanon to defend itself.

In a statement issued by its general secretariat late on Thursday, the Cairo-based league also urged the international community to force Israel to implement a United Nations resolution that calls for the withdrawal of the Jewish state's army from southern Lebanon.

"The Arab League has followed with great worry the news of Israel's attacks against Lebanese territory. While condemning these aggressive practices that contradict international laws and norms, the Arab League expresses its absolute unity with the bravery of the Lebanese people and their right to defend their land," the statement said.

"The Arab League renews its support of the Lebanese government in taking all necessary measures to confront this unveiled aggression," it added.

Israeli helicopters and planes blasted Lebanon on Thursday, attacking Beirut for the first time in 14 years.

At least four people were killed and 15 wounded in the raids which Lebanon said were against seven targets.

The Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army said on Friday Israel would bombard 18 south Lebanon towns and villages within hours to avenge Hizbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel.

"This Israeli aggression is another obstacle placed by Israel in front of the peace process," the Arab League said.

"While urging the international community to condemn Israel for this unfair aggression, the general secretariat calls for all necessay and urgent steps to make Israel respect Lebanon's sovereignity...and obliging it to implement Security Council resolution 425 calling on Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory," the league added.-REuter