Lebanese President Najib Mikati has issued a dramatic order for the country's military to directly confront Israeli soldiers operating near the border, following a raid that resulted in the death of a municipal worker.
The escalation comes after Israeli forces crossed into Lebanese territory and killed a local government employee during what has been described as a military operation. The incident has sparked outrage in Lebanon and heightened fears of renewed conflict between the two nations.
Presidential Directive
In an unprecedented move, President Mikati declared that the Lebanese army has been authorised to take "all necessary measures" against Israeli soldiers entering Lebanese territory. The presidential statement emphasised Lebanon's right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens from foreign incursions.
The order represents a significant shift in Lebanon's military posture toward Israel and could potentially lead to direct armed confrontations along the already volatile border region.
Victim Identified
The deceased has been identified as a municipal worker who was reportedly performing his duties near the border area when the Israeli raid occurred. Local authorities have condemned the killing as an unprovoked attack on a civilian engaged in public service work.
Lebanese officials have described the victim as a non-combatant whose work involved maintaining public infrastructure in the border region. His death has triggered widespread condemnation across Lebanon's political spectrum.
Regional Implications
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that controls much of southern Lebanon. However, the presidential order specifically involves the official Lebanese army, marking a potential expansion of the conflict beyond proxy warfare.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned that direct engagement between the Lebanese and Israeli armies could escalate into a broader regional conflict. The United Nations has called for restraint from both sides while investigations into the incident continue.
The border between Lebanon and Israel has remained a flashpoint for decades, but this presidential directive represents one of the most direct confrontational orders issued by the Lebanese government in recent years.
