A statement from the Lebanese president’s office on Thursday said President Aoun instructed military commander Rudolf Heikal to “defend the Lebanese army against the Israeli invasion of the liberated southern territories in order to protect the security of Lebanese lands and people.”
The statement detailed that General Haikal informed President Aoun of the Israeli military invasion of the town of Burida early Thursday morning, resulting in the death of city official Ibrahim Salameh in the line of duty.
President Aoun said the attack was part of “ongoing Israeli aggressive actions” and noted that the attack occurred shortly after a meeting of the committee monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, in response to the recent Israeli aggression, Hezbollah issued a statement condemning the attack and accusing US complicity.
“The criminal Zionist enemies continue to commit a series of crimes on Lebanese soil, intensifying their aggression and violating the sovereignty of Lebanon and the sanctity of its people in disregard of agreements, understandings and international law,” the statement said.
“Hezbollah strongly condemns this new Israeli crime, which comes on the heels of the US envoy’s visit to Lebanon and her chairmanship of the Institutional Committee.
He added: “The Zionist invasion of our country is being carried out in partnership and collusion with the United States, and Washington is making sure to give Israel the green light for any escalation.”
The movement expressed gratitude for President Aoun’s stand and described his call for troops to fight against Israeli aggression as “national and courageous.”
Hezbollah also called for “supporting the military in all capacities necessary to strengthen its defense capabilities and provide political cover to counter this brutal enemy.”
The resistance movement has called on the Lebanese government to depart from its approach in previous months and urgently approve a comprehensive plan to stop repeated Israeli aggression.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also strongly condemned Israel’s invasion of Blida and direct targeting of city officials earlier Thursday, calling it a “blatant attack on Lebanon’s state institutions and sovereignty.”
“We stand in full solidarity with the people of the south and border villages who are paying the price for their right to live in security and dignity under the authority of the Lebanese state,” he said.
Given the heavy losses suffered during the 14-month war and the failure to achieve military objectives in the invasion of Lebanon, Israel was forced to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27, 2024.
Since the implementation of the agreement, occupation forces have carried out multiple attacks, including airstrikes across Lebanon, in clear disregard for the ceasefire.
Israeli forces also captured five key areas in southern Lebanon: Rabneh, Mount Brat, Owaida Hill, Ajieh, and Hamamis Hill, all located near the border.
Lebanon denounced the continued presence of Israeli troops in violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deadline for their withdrawal.
MNA/Press TV