IDF teaches UNIFIL to dismantle bombs
Following military inquiry into use of cluster bombs during war, IDF decides to help train foreign forces in Lebanon on dismantling bombs, mines. Italian forces already trained in Israel, Spaniards on their way
United Nations officials have estimated that there are still about 1 million duds of cluster bombs in Lebanon.
Five representatives from the Italian army recently visited Israel and were trained by soldiers from the Engineering Corps. Spanish officers are expected to arrive in Israel soon in order to take part in a similar course.
A military source at the Ground Forces Division explained, "We have a clear interest here to prevent any harm to people as a result of incorrect use of bombs and duds in southern Lebanon, and therefore this training is very important."
As part of the transfer of lands to foreign forces after the war, the IDF also handed over the maps of the area to UNIFIL forces, including areas where mines and bombs have been reportedly placed and dangerous areas where weapons may have been stored.
The inquiry conducted by Major General Michel Ben-Baruch, head of the Ground Forces Division, revealed several weeks ago that in certain areas in southern Lebanon there are cluster bombs which have yet to explode and which may constitute a danger to civilians and soldiers.
Apart from the briefings given to UNIFIL forces on the issue, it was decided that the training organized by the overseas training department at the Ground Forces Division, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Amit Tessler, for five Italian officers will also include the issue of dealing with cluster bomb duds.
IDF: It's our duty
Four Italian officers and one non-commissioned officer arrived in Israel on their way from Italy to southern Lebanon and were trained by soldiers from the Engineering Corps. A number of Spanish officers from the UNIFIL force are expected to take part in a similar course.
"In this case we are not talking about a paid training such as other training programs offered by the IDF," the military source explained.
"We are looking to avoid any injuries in southern Lebanon. This is our interest both in the short run and the long run. Just like we gave them maps with all the information we had, it is also our duty to provide them with the tools to deal with elements which may risk human lives," he said.
The military source added that the IDF assumes the information received by UNIFIL troops on the issue will also be handed over to the Lebanese army.
"There is no problem with that. Once again, it matches our interest of not hurting people for nothing," he said.
Three IDF officers are expected to leave for Vietnam for the first time in order to take part in a course dealing with the clearing of cluster bombs. Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Major General Moshe Kaplinsky and the Defense Ministry approved the trip.
Senior officers from the Vietnamese army holding the ranks of lieutenant colonel and colonel are expected to take part in the course, which will deal with ways to clear bombs left on the ground for many years. The course is expected to be held for a week.
