Lebanese worker dies as Israeli forces raid border town

A Lebanese municipal worker has been killed after Israeli forces carried out a raid in the southern town of Blida early Thursday morning.

Reports say Israeli troops crossed into Lebanese territory around 1:30 a.m. and stormed the town’s municipal building, where the worker, identified as Ibrahim Salameh, was on duty. He was shot dead during the operation.

The soldiers reportedly withdrew from the area about two hours later, after destroying parts of the building. Lebanese soldiers later arrived to secure the scene.

Lebanon’s government has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “clear violation” of the country’s sovereignty. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the killing of a civil servant inside a government building was an unacceptable act of aggression.

The Israeli military confirmed that it carried out an operation in the area, claiming its troops entered a building linked to Hezbollah activities and opened fire when they felt threatened.

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have remained high in recent months despite a ceasefire agreement reached last year. Residents in southern Lebanon say the latest raid has deepened fears of a wider conflict.

International groups have called for restraint and urged both sides to respect existing peace arrangements along the border.