Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Thursday instructed the Lebanese Army to confront any Israeli incursion into liberated southern territories in defense of Lebanon’s land and the safety of its citizens. The directive came during a meeting this morning at Baabda Palace with Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal, who briefed the President on the details of last night’s Israeli incursion into Blida, during which municipal employee Ibrahim Salameh was killed while performing his duties.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, President Aoun condemned the attack, describing it as ‘part of a continuous pattern of Israeli aggression’ and noting that it occurred ‘shortly after the meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (Mechanism), which must not limit itself to recording incidents, but act to end them by pressing Israel to respect the November ceasefire agreement and cease its violations of Lebanese sovereignty.’

Separately, General Haykal briefed the President on the progress of investigations into the killing of Elio Abou Hanna by gunmen in Shatila Camp, following the arrest of six suspects involved in the shooting. President Aoun emphasized the need to pursue investigations thoroughly to uncover the full truth while calling on security forces to tighten control, prevent armed displays, and apprehend all perpetrators and accomplices.