In a new security development in Southern Lebanon, the 'Islamic Group' reported that 'Israeli occupation forces infiltrated under the cover of darkness in the middle of Sunday-Monday night, into the town of Hebbariyeh, Hasbaya district, and abducted the group's official in the Hasbaya and Marjeyoun area, Atwi Atwi, from his home and took him to an unknown destination after terrorizing his family and assaulting them.'

The 'Islamic Group', in a statement, condemned this action, holding the 'occupation forces responsible for any harm that may befall him.'

Israeli raid on the town of Hebbariyeh in 2024 (archive).

It also asserted that 'this act is added to the series of daily breaches and brutal assaults on sovereignty practiced by the occupation forces,' questioning: 'Did this piracy come in response to the Prime Minister's visit to the southern region and to the towns of Hasbaya district? And to the confirmation of the region's residents on their adherence to the state?' The group also pointed out that this piracy comes in the context of terrorizing the region's inhabitants to push them to leave their villages and lands.

The group demanded that the 'Lebanese state press the sponsoring entities to stop hostile actions, to work for the release of brother Atwi Atwi and all prisoners, and to cease all Israeli violations of Lebanese territory and sovereignty, and also demanded it defend the safe residents and civilians in their villages and towns.'

Israeli Army

For his part, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that 'in light of intelligence indicators collected over the past few weeks, Force 210 raided a building in the Mount Dov area (Har Dov) during the past night hours and arrested a prominent element in the Islamic Group organization where he was transferred for investigation inside Israel, and combat means were found inside the building.'

Adraee added: 'The Islamic Group organization has been committing acts against Israel and its citizens on the northern front during the war and even in these days.'

Commenting on this assault, the municipality of Hebbariyeh condemned on 'its behalf and the residents' behalf and in solidarity with the people of Arqoub and the south, the kidnapping of Atwi Atwi from his home in Hebbariyeh town and among his family members.'
It said in a statement: 'This criminal act attributed to the enemy constitutes a blatant assault on sovereignty, security, and stability and a flagrant violation of the sanctity of homes and the dignity of citizens, and it is wholly and entirely rejected and cannot be accepted under any circumstances.'

It affirmed that 'such practices will not undermine our people's resilience and attachment to their land, and called on the concerned parties to fully assume their responsibilities and work to follow up on this dangerous assault in a manner that ensures the protection of citizens and preserves their dignity,' emphasizing 'standing united alongside the family of the kidnapped and full solidarity with them.'