Lebanese soldiers near Shuba
Photo: AFP
Report: Lebanese, IDF forces deploy along border
Beirut news agencies say armored personnel carriers deployed along southern border; country's military claims Israeli warplanes violated airspace. IDF chief: No winds of war
The Lebanese army raised its level of alert and deployed armored personnel carriers along the border with Israel in the south, in close proximity to an IDF position located near the village of Shuba, Lebanese news agencies reported Tuesday.
According to reports, UNIFIL forces in the area are also vigilant. Lebanon claimed that Israeli fighter jets have significantly increased their presence in the area and have even infiltrated the country's airspace.
Lebanese military officials further claimed that four Israeli tanks have advanced to an IDF position along the border in what they said was a violation of UN resolutions.
It has been some two weeks since Hezbollah claimed that the IDF set up a military position in Lebanese territory, even though the area is within the border line (the "Blue Line") marked by the UN in 2000.
Earlier Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi denied recent reports of heightened tensions on the northern border. .
"We are following closely the activity along the northern border. In general it is quiet, and I am not aware of any winds of war in the region," Ashkenazi said during a visit to the army's recruit center.
Hanan Greenberg contributed to the report
