Beirut: The Lebanese army announced on Wednesday that Israeli forces had breached the border near Naqoura, located in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon, by carving two roads into the Labbouneh area. In its statement, the army command described the move as part of Israel's 'persistent violations' of the ceasefire agreement and an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty.
According to Anadolu Agency, the statement further explained that a Lebanese army patrol responded to the incursion by sealing the two roads with earthen barriers. Additionally, another unit was tasked with removing barbed wire that had been previously installed by Israeli forces in the town of Aitaroun, Bint Jbeil, further south.
The Israeli army spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, later announced that the army's Northern Command had commenced a large-scale military drill on the Lebanese front. Adraee mentioned that the exercise aimed to simulate 'complex and diverse scenarios, both defensive and offensive, and included enhancing protection for border towns adjacent to the security fence, along with various scenarios involving coordination between security forces operating in the area.'
Northern Command chief Ori Gordin conducted an operational assessment of the situation in the region with division and brigade commanders, Adraee added. However, the spokesperson did not disclose the planned duration of the exercise.
The backdrop to these developments is a fragile ceasefire that has been in place in Lebanon since November. This ceasefire ended months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which had escalated into a full-scale conflict in September. Lebanese authorities have reported over 1,250 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, which have resulted in the deaths of 100 people and injuries to more than 330.
Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Israel was required to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Israel refused to comply. Despite the agreement, Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.