Lebanese Army deploys along border after "Israeli" violations

Source: Daily Star, 20-6-2009

BEIRUT: The Lebanese Army deployed along the border with "Israel" Friday after responding to what it called a "provocative" violation of Lebanese sovereignty. Tel Aviv violated the Lebanese border earlier this week by erecting an observation post and a military post on the outskirts of the Kfar Shouba Hills, according to a statement issued Friday by the Army Command's Directorate of Orientation.

"In a clear violation of a restricted area of Lebanese territory, and in an attempt to impose a new reality on the ground, the "Israeli" enemy on Wednesday set up an observation post at the edge of Kfar Shouba and a military position overlooking Baathaeel pond, violating the imaginary line that (UNIFIL) delineated anew, which it considers to be the "Israeli" withdrawal line," said the statement, making reference to the Blue Line designated by the UN in 2000. "Given this provocative stance, Lebanese Army units in the region deployed patrols along the border," it added. The army said it was following up on "Israel's" violation with UNIFIL officials in order "to resolve this urgent situation."

Responding to the army deployment, UNIFIL spokesperson Yasmina Bouziane said the Kfar Shouba Hills fell outside of the peacekeeping force's geographical mandate. "UNIFIL's mandate and the authority given to it by the Security Council are strictly limited to its area of operations, which is defined as the area between the Litani River and the line of withdrawal," Bouziane told The Daily Star on Friday. "The area where the ["Israeli" Army] activities are taking place is located south of the line of withdrawal and outside UNIFIL's area of operations."

The army has nevertheless brought the "Israeli" maneuver to UNIFIL's attention, she said, and the UN peacekeeping body is "in contact with the parties, emphasizing the need for them to act with maximum restraint and to refrain from any provocative actions which could unnecessarily raise tensions in the area." UNIFIL has also called on both Lebanon and "Israel" to fully respect the line of withdrawal identified by the UN in 2000, Bouziane said. The dispute over the occupied Shebaa Farms is meanwhile "currently being addressed through diplomatic and political channels with the active involvement of the United Nations," she added.

"Israel" seized control of the Farms in 1967, when it also captured the Syrian Golan Heights. "Israel" is also currently occupying the northern side of Ghajar, a Lebanese border village, which it re-captured during the 34-day war of July-August 2006.

The "Israeli" incursion comes at a time of heightened tension, after Lebanon's intelligence services uncovered several covert cells spying for Tel Aviv. At least 32 people have been detained in Lebanon on suspicion of espionage, and around half of them have been formally charged, including two army officers. Those convicted of espionage could face the death penalty. "Israel" has so far remained silent over the arrests.