Israeli Raid in South Lebanon Kills Municipal Worker, Sparks Lebanese Military Response
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun orders army to confront Israeli incursions after deadly operation kills civilian employee in Blida
Israeli forces conducted a deadly raid in southern Lebanon on Thursday, killing a municipal worker and drawing sharp condemnation from Lebanese authorities.
The incident prompted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to issue direct orders to the armed forces to confront any future Israeli incursions into the country’s southern territory.
What Happened in Blida
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Israeli troops entered the municipality building in the village of Blida early Thursday morning. Ibrahim Salameh, a municipal employee who was sleeping inside while on duty, was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers.
Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed Salameh’s death. Photos from the scene showed bullet holes in the walls and windows of the building, with blood stains on the floor, blankets, and mattress where he had been resting.
The mayor of Blida explained that Salameh had been staying overnight in the building because he was on duty. Most homes in the village were destroyed during last year’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Local residents reported that the Israeli raid lasted several hours before troops withdrew at dawn.
Israeli Military’s Explanation
The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating that its forces were working to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in the Blida area when they identified what they called a “suspect” inside the building.
According to the military statement, soldiers perceived an “immediate threat” and opened fire. The incident is currently under review, Israeli officials said.
Israel accused Hezbollah of using the municipal building for what it described as “terrorist activity under the guise of civilian infrastructure.”
Lebanese Leaders Respond
President Aoun met with the army chief following the incident and ordered the military to defend Lebanese territory and protect citizens from Israeli incursions into areas that have been liberated.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly condemned the raid, calling it “a flagrant aggression against Lebanese state institutions and sovereignty.”
Additional Israeli Actions
In the nearby village of Adaisseh, Israeli forces also destroyed a religious ceremony hall at dawn, according to Lebanese media reports.
The Israeli military announced another strike on Thursday, saying it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure including a weapons launcher and tunnel shaft in the Mahmudiyah area of southern Lebanon.
Background on the Ceasefire
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was reached in November 2024, ending a conflict that had lasted over a year. The fighting began when Hezbollah started launching cross-border attacks on Israel in October 2023, following the outbreak of the Gaza war.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has maintained troops in five locations in southern Lebanon and continues to conduct regular air strikes, claiming they target Hezbollah positions.
According to the UN human rights commission, Israeli forces have killed 111 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect.
International Pressure
The United States has been pushing Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah, which was significantly weakened during the war.
On Wednesday, US envoy Morgan Ortagus welcomed Lebanon’s “decision to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year” during a meeting of ceasefire monitors in the border city of Naqoura.
She emphasized that the Lebanese army “must now fully implement its plan” to take control of all weapons in the country.
