Lebanon threatens fire over border patrol
Israeli bulldozers plough border area near Avivim in search for explosives devices, drawing threats from Lebanese Army to open fire; Hizbullah's al-Manar TV falsely reports IDF troops trespassed international border
Israeli troops on Wednesday combed sections of the border with Israel for bombs, days after soldiers found roadside bombs planted by Hizbullah a few meters away from Israel's northern border.
Although army units passed through the gates of a fence along the border, they did not cross the international border, the army said, adding that the Lebanese Army threatened to open fire at Israeli forces should they continue operating near the border.
Hizbullah explosives devices near border (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)
IDF sources responded to the Lebanese that such operations are necessary and that fire towards Israeli soldiers would be met with a harsh response.
Large armored bulldozers ploughed tracks of land near Avivim where explosives devices were located and defused on Monday.
Engineering Corps and infantry troops took part in the operation.
Northern Command officers dubbed the operation as "defensive", aimed at deterring threats against army patrols along the border.
'Israel preparing for confrontation'
Following last summer's war with Hizbullah, the Israeli military adopted a more aggressive policy along the northern border, vowing not to allow the Shiite group to beef-up its presence there.Hizbullah's mouthpiece, al-Manar TV, falsely reported that Israeli troops entered 20 yards into Lebanese territories and were met by fire from the Lebanese Army and United Nations peacekeeping forces.
Al-Manar said Israel was preparing for a confrontation with Hizbullah and falsely reported that armored vehicles attempted to infiltrate Lebanon near the Maroun el-Ras area, where Israelis soldiers and Hizbullah gunmen fought fierce battles during last summer's war.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Wednesday accused Syria of rearming Hizbullah by allowing arms shipments from its territory into Lebanon.
Peretz said that Israel must be conscious of the threats posed by Hizbullah and demand that the UN fully impose Resolution 1701, especially with regards to an arms embargo on the Shiite group and the release of two kidnapped soldiers.
"We must not turn a blind eye to the transfer of weapons to Hizbullah. The explosive devices (which were placed along the border) are a warning sign for us and for the other side," the defense minister stated.
"We shall do everything to keep Resolution 1701, but will also reserve our right to defend the State of Israel," Peretz added.
Roee Nahmias contributed to this report
