Aoun to Haykal: Lebanese Army Must Respond to Any Israeli Incursion
10/30/2025 11:08:00 AM
President Joseph Aoun has ordered Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal to confront any Israeli incursions into the liberated southern territories, emphasizing the need to defend Lebanon’s land and safeguard its citizens.
During a meeting at Baabda Palace, General Haykal briefed the president on the details of the recent Israeli incursion into the town of Blida, where municipal employee Ibrahim Salameh was killed while carrying out his duties.
President Aoun described the attack as part of “a series of ongoing Israeli aggressive practices and violations,” noting that it came shortly after a meeting of the committee overseeing the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement. He stressed that the committee “must go beyond merely documenting violations and work to end them by pressuring Israel to uphold the terms of last November’s agreement and cease its violations of Lebanese sovereignty.”
The president was also briefed on the ongoing investigation into the murder of Elio Abou Hanna, who was shot dead by gunmen in the Shatila camp. Six suspects allegedly involved in the shooting have been handed over to the authorities.
President Aoun underscored the importance of continuing the investigation to uncover the full truth behind the incident while calling on security forces to strictly prevent armed displays and pursue all perpetrators and those complicit in the crime.
During a meeting at Baabda Palace, General Haykal briefed the president on the details of the recent Israeli incursion into the town of Blida, where municipal employee Ibrahim Salameh was killed while carrying out his duties.
President Aoun described the attack as part of “a series of ongoing Israeli aggressive practices and violations,” noting that it came shortly after a meeting of the committee overseeing the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement. He stressed that the committee “must go beyond merely documenting violations and work to end them by pressuring Israel to uphold the terms of last November’s agreement and cease its violations of Lebanese sovereignty.”
The president was also briefed on the ongoing investigation into the murder of Elio Abou Hanna, who was shot dead by gunmen in the Shatila camp. Six suspects allegedly involved in the shooting have been handed over to the authorities.
President Aoun underscored the importance of continuing the investigation to uncover the full truth behind the incident while calling on security forces to strictly prevent armed displays and pursue all perpetrators and those complicit in the crime.