Israeli military forces conducted an incursion into the southern Lebanese town of Blida overnight, resulting in the death of a municipal employee identified as Ibrahim Salameh. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, the operation involved drones and light armored vehicles, with Israeli troops reportedly storming the town hall where Salameh was asleep.
The Israeli military stated that the operation aimed to “dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure,” although no evidence of such use of the building was provided. Following the incident, it was reported that Israeli troops encountered a “suspect” inside the building and opened fire due to an identified “immediate threat.” It remains unclear whether Salameh was specifically targeted during this operation.
This incursion elicited a strong reaction in Lebanon, compounding tensions stemming from a ceasefire that ended conflicts between Israel and Lebanon last November. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun directed the army commander to confront any future Israeli incursions, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation of Lebanese institutions and sovereignty.” He urged international bodies to ensure compliance with ceasefire agreements and an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Protests erupted in Blida and surrounding areas, with residents blocking roads while expressing dissatisfaction with perceived state inaction to protect civilians. Additionally, increased Israeli operations over recent days have reportedly included strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in various locations, including the village of Adaisseh, where a religious hall was reportedly destroyed.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of discussions involving U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, who expressed support for Lebanon’s plan to bring all weapons under state control, which aims to stabilize the region in line with existing ceasefire terms. Historically, only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeeping forces are authorized to deploy armed personnel in southern Lebanon, yet Israeli forces have retained positions at several strategic sites along the border.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrz6gkk5p3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss