Amidst the heightened tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border, the Lebanese Army announced today, Saturday, its retaliatory response of releasing tear gas at Israeli forces, following the latter’s initiation with a smoke bomb targeted at the Lebanese military personnel.
According to the National News Agency, Israeli troops deployed smoke and sound grenades toward a Lebanese army contingent, which was accompanying a Lebanese bulldozer engaged in removing debris dumped by Israeli bulldozers on the liberated lands of Bastara farm. This action is part of the Shebaa Farms and was in response to leveling operations undertaken by Israel two days prior.
In retaliation to the initial Israeli aggression, the Lebanese Army patrol at the site swiftly responded by launching several smoke grenades towards the Israeli troops. Amidst the commotion, personnel from the Indian battalion, a component of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), arrived on the scene in an attempt to deescalate and mediate the situation.
The undercurrent of tension has been palpable along the entirety of the Lebanese border. This has been exacerbated by Israel’s recent move to exert its control over the northern Lebanese part of the town of Ghajar. With this annexation, the entirety of Ghajar has come under Israeli control, further solidifying its stance by erecting a concrete barrier encircling the entire town.
Historically, Israeli forces had withdrawn from territories it previously occupied in southern Lebanon on May 25, 2000, marking an end to a 22-year occupation. Throughout this period, the region experienced continued resistance to the occupation. However, a few exceptions to this withdrawal included the Shebaa Farms, Kfar Shuba hills, and the Lebanese section of the Ghajar town.
Such sporadic confrontations serve as grim reminders of the long-standing border disputes and underlying tension between Lebanon and Israel. As international bodies monitor the situation closely, the hope for a peaceful resolution remains paramount.