Jakarta: The Israeli army has constructed two concrete walls within Lebanese territory, an act the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) has labeled a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The mission highlighted this issue on Friday, emphasizing the infringement on Lebanese sovereignty.

According to Anadolu Agency, UNIFIL peacekeepers conducted a geospatial survey in October, which revealed that a concrete T-wall erected by the Israeli army southwest of Yaroun transgressed the Blue Line, impacting over 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land. The Blue Line marks the border following Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000. UNIFIL has informed the Israeli army of these findings and has requested the removal of the barrier, though Israel's response remains unspecified.

In November, further construction activity was noted as peacekeepers observed additional T-wall sections being built in the area. Surveys confirmed that these too crossed the Blue Line southeast of Yaroun. UNIFIL has stated its intention to formally notify the Israeli army regarding these new findings.

The mission reiterated that Israel's actions on Lebanese soil constitute violations of both Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty, urging Israel to fully respect the Blue Line and withdraw from all northward areas. Resolution 1701, adopted on August 11, 2006, was intended to cease hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and establish a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line and Lebanon's Litani River.

Amid these developments, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for an end to Israel's military escalation in the south, citing concerns over regional stability. Tensions have been escalating in southern Lebanon, with the Israeli army conducting near-daily air raids targeting Hezbollah members and infrastructure.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 4,000 people killed and nearly 17,000 injured since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023. Although a ceasefire in November 2024 mandated Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January, the army has only partially complied, maintaining a presence at five border outposts.