Lebanese president orders army to confront Israeli incursions after deadly border clash

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun instructed the army on October 30 to confront any Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon after Israeli forces crossed the border overnight and killed a municipal employee, despite a US-brokered ceasefire.

The Israeli military's actions escalated tensions along the border, as troops entered the town of Blida and fired on the municipality building, killing Ibrahim Salameh, a worker who had been sleeping inside. The Lebanese army condemned the incident as a "criminal act" and a violation of the ceasefire agreement, while questioning whether Salameh had been deliberately targeted. It was not immediately clear why Salameh would have been a target, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

In response, Aoun issued orders for the Lebanese army to defend the country’s southern territories, urging military engagement if Israeli forces crossed the border again.

Aoun asked army commander General Rudolph Haykal "to have the Lebanese army confront any Israeli incursion into the liberated southern territories, in defence of Lebanese lands and the safety of citizens," a statement from the presidency said.

The situation has placed significant strain on the ceasefire that was brokered by the US earlier in the conflict. Israeli airstrikes and limited ground operations in Lebanese territory have continued, with Israel asserting that its actions are aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military presence in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese government, however, maintains that Israel is in violation of the truce.

In a statement of support for Aoun's directive, Lebanese militant group Hezbollah pledged to back the army in its efforts.

"Hezbollah urges full support for the army with all available capabilities to enhance its defensive strength and provide it with the necessary political cover to confront this savage enemy," the group said.

While Hezbollah has been a key military force in southern Lebanon, it has also faced international pressure, particularly from the US, to disarm in line with the ceasefire terms. The group has consistently rejected such demands.

The escalation came shortly after Israeli warplanes flew over the presidential palace in Beirut. It marks the first time that Aoun has ordered the Lebanese military to confront Israeli forces directly since assuming the presidency in January.

By Sabina Mammadli