Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday instructed the commander of the army to confront any Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon, after Israeli forces crossed the border earlier in the day and killed one person in Blida.
Aoun ordered the army to "confront any Israeli incursion into liberated southern territory, in defense of Lebanese territory and the safety of citizens," during a meeting with the army chief, according to a statement from the presidency.
Despite a November 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah, Israel maintains troops in five areas in southern Lebanon and has kept up regular airstrikes, which have recently intensified.
"In a grave and unprecedented attack, an Israeli enemy force penetrated the village of Blida at nearly 1:30 am (1130 GMT), more than one kilometer (0.6 miles) from the border, supported by a number of vehicles," Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported.
"The force stormed the Blida municipality building, where employee Ibrahim Salameh was sleeping, and enemy soldiers proceeded to kill him," it said.
Village residents cited by NNA said the raid lasted several hours, and that Israeli forces withdrew at dawn.
In the nearby border village of Adaisseh, NNA reported that Israeli forces blew up a hall for religious ceremonies at dawn.
Over the past days, Israel has stepped up its strikes on Lebanon, often saying it is targeting Hezbollah positions.
