Lebanese President Orders Army to Confront Israeli Forces After Killing

Israeli troops conducted a raid in southern Lebanon that resulted in the death of a municipal worker, prompting President Joseph Aoun to instruct the Lebanese army to confront any future incursions. The victim, identified as Ibrahim Salameh, was an employee of the Blida municipality, located near the Israeli border. The Israeli military confirmed its operations, stating it targeted Hizbullah infrastructure during the raid and fired at a “suspect.”

Lebanese state media reported that Israeli forces “stormed the Blida municipality building, where employee Ibrahim Salameh was sleeping, and enemy soldiers proceeded to kill him.” Eyewitness accounts described a scene of violence, with mattresses soaked in blood and walls marked by bullet holes, according to Agence France-Presse. The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Lebanon, highlighting ongoing tensions over violations of its sovereignty.

Following the raid, Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Labouneh, a region in southwest Lebanon, further escalating tensions. Israeli drones were also reported flying low over Beirut shortly after the incident. President Aoun condemned the raid and issued a directive to the military to confront any future Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory. He emphasized the need to defend national sovereignty and ensure the safety of Lebanese citizens.

In his statement, President Aoun instructed the army to “confront any Israeli incursion into liberated southern territory.” This directive comes despite a ceasefire agreement established in November 2024 between Hizbullah and Israel, which mandated the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and cessation of hostilities.

Despite this agreement, Israel continues to conduct air strikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, claiming these actions are necessary to prevent Hizbullah from rebuilding its military capabilities. Israeli forces remain stationed at five locations within Lebanon, a point of contention for the Lebanese government. Hizbullah asserts its compliance with the ceasefire terms.

The raid and subsequent killing occur amid rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel, characterized by a flurry of diplomatic activity. Foreign envoys have urged the Lebanese government to fully disarm Hizbullah, a process the government is cautious about pursuing to avoid potential civil unrest.

On the diplomatic front, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus recently visited Naqoura, a border city where indirect negotiations with Israel have previously taken place. Ortagus praised the Lebanese government’s commitment to bringing all weapons under state control by the end of the year, a goal that reflects ongoing international pressure for stability in the region.

The situation remains fluid, with the Lebanese government balancing national security concerns against the backdrop of international diplomatic efforts and the persistent threat of violence along its borders.