A Lebanese soldier sits atop a stationary army vehicle deployed in front of the Blida municipality buildings, in southern Lebanon's Marjayoun district, on Oct. 30, 2025. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'OLJ)
It was an unprecedented move. On Oct. 30, President Joseph Aoun instructed Army Chief General Rodolph Haykal to respond to any further Israeli incursions in southern Lebanon, “in order to defend Lebanese territory and the safety of citizens.” His order came in the wake of an Israeli patrol’s infiltration into the Marjayoun district town of Blida, where they killed a municipal employee who was sleeping on site.This is the first time that the Lebanese Army — which until now has remained on the sidelines of the conflict with Israel — has been called upon to take action to counter the Israeli army. On Oct. 3, 2024, the troops responded to an Israeli attack on one of their military posts in Bint Jbeil, which had killed two soldiers. But this time, the context is very different, and the president’s decision could have serious consequences if...
It was an unprecedented move. On Oct. 30, President Joseph Aoun instructed Army Chief General Rodolph Haykal to respond to any further Israeli incursions in southern Lebanon, “in order to defend Lebanese territory and the safety of citizens.” His order came in the wake of an Israeli patrol’s infiltration into the Marjayoun district town of Blida, where they killed a municipal employee who was sleeping on site.This is the first time that the Lebanese Army — which until now has remained on the sidelines of the conflict with Israel — has been called upon to take action to counter the Israeli army. On Oct. 3, 2024, the troops responded to an Israeli attack on one of their military posts in Bint Jbeil, which had killed two soldiers. But this time, the context is very different, and the president’s decision could have serious...
Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait
