An Israeli military raid into the southern Lebanese town of Blida has resulted in the death of a municipal worker. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Lebanon’s leadership. It also prompted an order for the Lebanese army to confront any future Israeli incursions.
The slain man was identified as Ibrahim Salameh. He was an employee of the Blida municipality. According to Lebanese state media, Salameh was sleeping in the municipality building when Israeli forces stormed it.
The Israeli military confirmed its troops operated in Blida. It stated they fired at a “suspect” after identifying an “immediate threat”. The military said the incident is under review.
The operation has heightened tensions in the region. It comes despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement. This agreement mandated the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
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A call to arms
In response to the killing, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun instructed the army to defend the country’s territory. He ordered them to respond to any Israeli incursion into his country’s territory.
This move was welcomed by Hezbollah. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called the raid a “blatant attack on the institutions and sovereignty of the Lebanese state”.
The Israeli military stated its operation was aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure. However, it did not provide evidence that the municipal building was being used by the group.
This deadly incursion is the latest in a series of near-daily Israeli strikes and operations in Lebanon. These actions have continued despite the ceasefire.
Following the raid, protests erupted in Blida and nearby towns. Residents blocked roads to denounce the aggression. Meanwhile, Israeli drones were reportedly heard flying low over Beirut. The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon is seeking more information about the incident.
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Image: Joseph Aoun [Reuters].
