Israeli troops conducted an incursion into the south Lebanese town of Blida overnight, resulting in the death of a municipal employee. The Israeli military stated the operation aimed to "dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure." Lebanon's state-run National News Agency identified the deceased as Ibrahim Salameh. The incident drew condemnation from Lebanese officials.
Operation Details
Israeli forces, accompanied by drones and light armored vehicles, entered Blida and reportedly stormed the town hall. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, Ibrahim Salameh, a municipal employee, was sleeping inside the building at the time.
The Israeli military stated its troops encountered a "suspect" inside the building and opened fire after identifying an "immediate threat." The military added that the operation was intended to "dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure." It was not specified whether Salameh was the intended target of the operation.
This incident follows ongoing actions by Israel against individuals and targets it identifies as linked to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia Muslim group.
Lebanese Response
The operation prompted responses from Lebanese officials. A Lebanese official instructed the commander of the Lebanese army to address any Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Salameh's death and the incursion, describing it as a "flagrant violation of Lebanese institutions and sovereignty." He stated that Lebanon would continue to engage the United Nations and ceasefire guarantors to "ensure a halt to the repeated violations and the implementation of a complete Israeli withdrawal from our lands."
Protests occurred on Thursday morning in Blida and nearby towns, where residents blocked roads with burning tires. Participants expressed their denunciation of what they termed a "blatant aggression" and the state's perceived failure to protect civilians. A ceasefire agreement was in place between Israel and Lebanon, having concluded a conflict last November.
Other Incidents
Separately, Israeli aircraft conducted a strike on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Jarmaq on Thursday, according to AFP.