IDF patrols border with Lebanon (archives)
Photo: AP
UN confirms tree in clash was Israeli
UNIFIL concludes investigation into August 3 border skirmish between Israeli, Lebanese forces, says tree at center of clash was in Israeli territory
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon has concluded that a tree at the center of deadly clashes along the Lebanese-Israeli border on Aug. 3 was inside Israel.
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UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said Wednesday that the force, known as UNIFIL, completed its investigation into the exchange of fire between Lebanese and Israeli forces, and its report was sent to the two countries and UN peacekeeping officials in New York.
The violence started when Israel tried to cut down a tree that both sides claimed was in their territory. In the exchange of fire, an Israeli officer, two Lebanese soldiers and a journalist were killed.
On Aug. 4, UNIFIL said a preliminary investigation concluded that the tree was in Israeli territory.
Nesirky said the final report "confirms the preliminary conclusions of UNIFIL."
He told reporters that the UNIFIL commander, Maj.-Gen. Alberto Asarta Cuevas, hopes the report will assist the parties in preventing the recurrence of such incidents.
