On Thursday, Lebanese military units in the South Litani region of Lebanon are on heightened alert and have taken up their combat positions in response to threats by the Israeli army to remove a tent established on the borderline, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.
The statement further added that the military units have placed their machinery and equipment on maximum readiness in the South Litani area, with personnel assuming combat positions.
In line with the agency’s report, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) forces stationed in South Lebanon have relayed Israel’s contention that the tent was erected in an occupied area and should be removed by the relevant parties. Contrary to this, the Lebanese army holds that the tent was set up in the Lebanese territory.
In an effort to reduce escalating tension, UNIFIL forces are engaging in communications between the Lebanese and Israeli sides, as reported by the agency.
The escalating situation at the Lebanese-Israeli border underscores the long-standing tensions between the two countries. The proactive stance of the Lebanese army showcases its commitment to maintaining national sovereignty in the face of potential threats.
This development comes amid rising tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, with the Lebanese military taking precautionary measures to protect its territory. The Israeli military’s move to remove the border tent has been perceived as an incursion, prompting a swift response from the Lebanese forces.
The situation highlights the ongoing issues and potential conflict between Lebanon and Israel, as the Lebanese army stands firm to maintain sovereignty over its border. This developing story will be closely watched by the international community for any further escalations.
On the other hand, a military tribunal in Lebanon has formally accused five men of killing an Irish UN peacekeeper in December, local media and news agencies reported.
A senior judicial official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, alleged all five are linked with the Lebanese group Hezbollah, The Associated Press news agency reported.
The indictment followed a half-year probe after an attack on a UN peacekeeping convoy near the town of al-Aqbiya in south Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah. It included evidence from bystanders’ testimonies, as well as audio recordings and video footage from surveillance cameras, the Lebanese official said.
In some of the recordings of the confrontation, the gunmen reportedly could be heard telling the peacekeepers that they are from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has denied any role in the killing, calling it an “unintentional incident” that took place solely between the town’s residents and UNIFIL, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah on Thursday.
