In a significant escalation of tensions, Israeli forces conducted a deadly incursion into southern Lebanon on Thursday, resulting in the killing of a municipal worker. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun swiftly responded by ordering the armed forces to confront any future Israeli incursions, emphasizing the defense of Lebanese territory and citizen safety. The Israeli military confirmed the raid, stating it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and fired upon a ‘suspect’ deemed an immediate threat. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who labeled it a ‘flagrant aggression against Lebanese sovereignty.’
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli troops stormed the Blida municipality building, where employee Ibrahim Salameh was sleeping, and fatally shot him. The health ministry confirmed his death, and an AFP journalist documented bullet holes and bloodstains at the scene. Blida’s mayor explained that Salameh was on duty, as most homes in the area were destroyed during last year’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military defended its actions, claiming the building was used by Hezbollah for ‘terrorist activity under the guise of civilian infrastructure.’ Meanwhile, in the nearby village of Adaisseh, Israeli forces reportedly destroyed a religious ceremony hall at dawn. This raid comes despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which has not halted Israel’s regular air strikes on Lebanon, often targeting Hezbollah positions.
The UN rights commission reported that Israeli forces have killed 111 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire. Hezbollah, weakened by the war, faces increasing pressure from the US to disarm. During a recent meeting of ceasefire monitors, US envoy Morgan Ortagus urged the Lebanese army to fully implement its plan to bring all weapons under state control by year-end. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation in the region.