Beirut, Lebanon — October 30, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Lebanon is under heightened alert after a deadly raid by Blida in southern Lebanon triggered a forceful response from the country’s leadership. President Joseph Aoun has instructed the national army to confront any further incursions by Israel into Lebanese territory. The directive followed a raid by Israeli forces on the villages of Aaichiyeh, Jarmaq and Khardale, including a deadly attack near Blida where a municipal employee was killed.
Shortly after 1:30 a.m., Israeli forces reportedly crossed over a kilometre into Lebanese soil and stormed the municipal building in Blida, claiming to act against suspected infrastructure used by the armed group Hezbollah. The infiltration ended with the death of the municipal employee, identified as Ibrahim Salameh, and the rapid retreat of the forces following a four-hour operation.
In response, President Aoun convened with the army commander, Rodolphe Haykal, and issued an order: the Lebanese Armed Forces are to “confront any Israeli incursion into liberated southern territory”. A source within the military described the actions of Israeli forces as a “criminal act, a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty, and a breach” of both the November 27 cease-fire agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed the strong rhetoric against Israel, calling the raid “a blatant attack on Lebanese state institutions and sovereignty.” He emphasized the commitment of the state to defend the right of southern border communities to “live in safety and dignity under the sovereignty and authority of the Lebanese State.
Hezbollah welcomed the President’s decision and called for a “unified and responsible national stance” in confronting what it termed “another Israeli crime.” The group accused Israel of cold-bloodedly executing the municipal employee and alleged United States involvement in green-lighting the operation. Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed the operation in Blida, stating it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and had “fired on a suspect after identifying an immediate threat.” The Israeli statement indicated an internal review of the incident was underway.
Local residents of Blida and surrounding villages reacted with anger and frustration. Some blocked a patrol of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), accusing the mission of not cooperating with Lebanese forces during the raid. The mood in the border towns is tense, with many fearing further violence.