Lebanese President Orders Army to Confront Israeli Raids for First Time Since Ceasefire

October 30, 2025 - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ordered the army to counter any Israeli incursions into liberated areas in the south, in the first such move since a ceasefire took effect in late 2024. The order came after Israeli army forces raided a municipality building in Blida town in southern Lebanon, killing a public officer. The Lebanese president condemned the Israeli attack, calling it "part of a continuous pattern of Israeli aggression".

During a meeting with Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal, Aoun said the attack was staged a day after a meeting by the ceasefire oversight committee, "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". Hezbollah condemned the Israeli attack and hailed Aoun's decision, vowing support to the army to enhance its defensive capabilities.