Lebanese President Commands Military to Counter Israeli Intrusions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has directed the nation's military forces to address any Israeli intrusions into southern Lebanon. This directive follows recent airstrikes and a fatal ground assault by Israel in the town of Blida, which resulted in the death of a civilian.
The Lebanese presidency announced on Thursday that President Michel Aoun has directed Army Chief General Rudolphe Haikal to ensure that the Lebanese army counters any Israeli incursions into the liberated southern territories. This directive aims to protect Lebanese territory and ensure the safety of citizens.
In a recent update, it was reported that General Haikal briefed President Aoun regarding an Israeli incursion into the town of Blida early Thursday. The incident led to the death of municipal worker Ibrahim Salameh, who was killed in the line of duty.
Aoun has condemned the attack, describing it as a component of “ongoing Israeli aggressive practices.” He further remarked that the incident took place shortly after a committee meeting aimed at monitoring the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement.
In reaction to recent Israeli military actions, Hezbollah released a statement strongly condemning the attacks and criticizing the United States for its perceived complicity.
According to the statement, the Zionist entity persists in committing crimes on Lebanese territory, escalating incursions, and infringing upon Lebanon’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens, while ignoring agreements, understandings, and international laws.
Hezbollah has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as a new crime committed by Israel. This act, Hezbollah argues, follows closely on the heels of the visit by a U.S. envoy to Lebanon, who presided over meetings of the Mechanism Committee.
The statement asserts that the Zionist actions against their nation are executed with the collaboration and support of the United States, suggesting that Washington approves of each increase in Israeli activity.
The movement praised President Aoun for his stance, lauding his call for the army to oppose Israeli aggression as “both nationalistic and courageous.”
Hezbollah has issued a call to strengthen the military by equipping it with essential resources to boost its defensive capabilities, and urged for political backing in confronting what it describes as a brutal adversary.
The resistance movement has urged the Lebanese government to shift from its recent strategies and swiftly endorse a thorough plan aimed at halting ongoing Israeli aggression.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam vehemently condemned the Israeli incursion into Blida and the direct targeting of the municipal employee, describing it as “a flagrant attack on Lebanon’s state institutions and sovereignty.”
He expressed unwavering support for the residents in the southern regions and border villages, recognizing the sacrifices they endure in their pursuit of safety and dignity under the governance of the Lebanese state.
Facing substantial losses over a 14-month conflict and unable to meet its military objectives in the aggression against Lebanon, Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, effective November 27, 2024.
Following the agreement’s implementation, occupying forces have launched numerous assaults on Lebanon, including airstrikes nationwide, indicating a blatant disregard for the ceasefire terms.
Israeli forces have successfully seized control of five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, including Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all positioned close to the border.
Lebanon has denounced the ongoing presence of Israeli forces, labeling it a breach of the ceasefire agreement and the agreed-upon schedule for withdrawal.
