Video Of The Week -Tense Quiet Takes Hold Along Israel-Lebanon Border - https://tinyurl.com/4jyu2ej2
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What
happened: Two incidents on the Israel-Lebanon
border on Wednesday raised the tension between Israel and Hezbollah.
·
In the first incident several men approached the border fence in the
area close to Zarit. According to the IDF, Israel deployed “non-lethal”
measures to prevent them from damaging the fence.
·
According to the IDF, “a number of suspects approached the border fence
with Lebanon and attempted to tamper with the barrier. IDF forces immediately
identified them and employed measures to push them back.”
·
The IDF released surveillance footage showing four people approaching the border
fence, and running away after an explosion.
·
According to Lebanese reports, three men thought to be Hezbollah
operatives were taken to a nearby hospital in Tyre.
·
In the second incident, a number of suspects approached the security
fence in the area near Metulla. They threw rocks and started a fire adjacent
(on the Lebanese side) close to the security fence. IDF soldiers fired
warning shots into the air, and the suspects withdrew.
Context: Tension has been growing for the last month,
since Hezbollah placed two tents south of the Blue Line (inside Israel) in the
Mount Dov / Sheba farms area.
·
Israel has so far used diplomatic channels (with the US, UN and France)
which led to one of the tents being dismantled.
·
Later on Wednesday, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah made a speech, marking
the 17th anniversary of the start of the second Lebanon war.
Nasrallah warned Israel that Hezbollah would retaliate if the IDF were to
remove the tent that remains. According to Nasrallah, the tent is inside
Lebanon and he is demanding the removal of the fence Israel built around the
northern part of Ghajar.
·
Ghajar is an Alawite village, on the Lebanese, Syrian, Israeli border,
captured by Israel in 1967. In 1981 it was annexed by Israel and its residents
offered full Israeli citizenship. The village’s northern neighbourhood has
since expanded into Lebanon. The UN recognises the Blue Line runs through
the village, but Israel has built the fence around the northern perimeter to
ensure security.
·
Earlier in the week, US envoy Amos Hochstein met with Prime Minister
Netanyahu to update on US efforts to deescalate the tension. It was
Hochstein that brokered the Israel-Lebanon maritime agreement last year.
·
Hochstein’s visit has been interpreted as a sign of a dual US approach
to Israel. Whilst the Biden administration in unhappy about Israeli
government’s domestic and West Bank policies, they have shared concerns when it
comes to regional security.
·
As well as the erection of the tents, last week an anti-tank missile was
fired close to Ghajar border area.
·
In recent months Hezbollah has set up numerous observation posts,
permanent and semi-permanent structures along the border.
·
There is concern that Israel’s enemies interpret the country’s current
internal divisions as a moment of weakness and will seek to exploit the
security situation.
Looking
ahead: US envoy Hochstein is expected to
meet Lebanese political leaders in the days ahead, as part of his shuttle
diplomacy to reduce tension and avoid a military conflagration.
·
Following the incidents on the border, Defence Minister Gallant said,
“Anyone who tests us will get a response. We have a lot to do, and we will know
how to do what is needed at the right time.”
· The IDF believes that Nasrallah will not instigate an all-out war but may be willing to risk several days of fighting, the consequences of which are unknown, but include fears of a wider conflict.
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