Israel warns it 'won't bury its head in the sand' as Hezbollah tensions grow

Lebanon placed its army on high alert Thursday after President Joseph Aoun ordered troops to confront any Israeli incursion into the country’s south, following a deadly overnight Israeli army ground raid in the village of Blida near the border.

According to Lebanese media reports, the army began deploying reinforcements and setting up new positions in southern villages, including in Blida.

The Lebanese presidency said Aoun instructed the army commander, General Rodolphe Haykal, “to confront any Israeli incursion into the liberated lands of southern Lebanon to defend Lebanon’s territory and the safety of its citizens.”

The order came hours after Israeli troops entered the Blida municipal building. A municipal worker, identified as Ibrahim Salameh, was killed in the operation. Lebanese media said he was shot while sleeping in the building, describing the incident as “an execution.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet met Thursday evening to discuss the situation in Lebanon amid claims that the group is rebuilding its military capabilities with Iran’s support.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, meeting with U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert in Jerusalem, said Hezbollah “continues to intensify its efforts to recover and rebuild its strength with Iran’s backing. This is dangerous to Israel’s security just as it threatens Lebanon’s future. Israel cannot bury its head in the sand in the face of this trend.”