Lebanese Army Orders Troops to "Shoot Back" After Border Clash with IDF
The Lebanese Army has instructed its southern units to return fire at Israeli sources following a skirmish in the Marjayoun district. While the order is localized to a new observation post that came under fire today, the incident represents a dangerous escalation in state-to-state tensions amid a crumbling ceasefire.
Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border reached a fever pitch today (Tuesday) as the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) issued a rare direct order to its troops to retaliate against Israeli fire. The incident occurred in the Sarda–Marjayoun sector, marking one of the most significant direct frictions between the two national militaries since the November 2024 ceasefire.
According to an official statement from the LAF Army Command, the clash began while Lebanese soldiers were establishing a new observation post on the southern border.
The LAF claims the area surrounding the post was subjected to gunfire originating from the Israeli side.Simultaneously, a low-flying Israeli drone allegedly hovered over the site, broadcasting threats intended to force the Lebanese personnel to abandon the position. Rather than withdrawing, the Army Command ordered the unit to reinforce the post, maintain their ground, and return fire at the source of any further shooting.
No casualties were reported on either side, and the situation is currently being monitored in coordination with UNIFIL and the ceasefire supervision committee.
While the order is being described by some as a major policy shift, military analysts emphasize that this is a localized, reactive directive rather than a general declaration of war.
Since late 2024, Israel has maintained near-daily surveillance and "policing" operations in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah rearmament.
Today's friction follows a controversial announcement last week by Prime Minister Netanyahu that Israel would not withdraw from five strategic "buffer zones" inside Lebanese territory, a move Beirut considers a violation of sovereignty.
UNIFIL has reportedly sent an "urgent stop-fire request" to prevent the localized skirmish from spiraling into a broader confrontation between the two state armies.