UNIFIL peacekeepers at the southern border after tensions rose on March 7, 2023. (Credit: Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — Tensions again rose Tuesday between the Lebanese Army and Israeli military on Lebanon's southern border near the town of Houla, where Israeli works are ongoing, a spokesperson for the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) told L’Orient Today.
“Our peacekeepers stayed on site until the situation was completely calm and all individuals left the area,” the spokesperson added.
A Lebanese civilian allegedly removed a "bullet magazine from an Israeli soldier's rifle while he was very close to the Blue Line,” L’Orient Today’s correspondent in the South reported.
The Blue Line was drawn in June 2000 by the UN after the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon on May 25 of that year, ending an occupation that began in 1982. It signifies a "withdrawal line," as much of the border remains disputed.
The UNIFIL spokesperson was unable to verify the incident reported by our correspondent.
“As always, we urge everyone present to remain calm and respect the Blue Line. We continue to urge the parties to coordinate any work or action near the Blue Line through UNIFIL to avoid misunderstandings,” the spokesperson concluded.
On Sunday, the Lebanese Army was on alert on the country's southern border after tensions rose over a breach by an Israeli patrol of the Blue Line.
UNIFIL was created in 1978 as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel.
Tensions are common along the border.
Reporting contributed by Muntasser Abdallah