Overview
- Lebanon’s National News Agency said Israeli troops entered Blida around 1:30 a.m., stormed the municipality building, killed employee Ibrahim Salameh, and withdrew near 4 a.m., with the Health Ministry confirming the death.
- The Israeli military said forces were operating to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, reported identifying an immediate threat inside the building, and placed the incident under review while alleging the site was used for terrorist activity under civilian cover.
- President Joseph Aoun ordered the Lebanese Army to confront any future Israeli incursions, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned a blatant violation of state institutions and sovereignty as the army deployed to the area.
- Residents protested in Blida by burning tyres and obstructing a UNIFIL convoy, voicing anger over perceived failures to protect civilians during repeated cross‑border violations.
- Despite a November 2024 ceasefire, Israel maintains positions at five points in southern Lebanon and conducts near‑daily strikes as U.S. and German envoys press for implementing ceasefire mechanisms and bringing weapons under state control.