Israeli Army Expels Citizens Crossing Lebanese Borders

UNIFIL UN Troops in southern Lebanon/PHOTO via Instagram @unifil_official

JAKARTA - Israeli soldiers expelled a group of Israeli right-wing civilians crossing into Lebanon. They intend to set up settlement tents.

The Times of Israel reported 10 days ago a group that advocated annexation and settlements in southern Lebanon, saying it had crossed the border and set up outposts.

On Wednesday, December 18, the Israeli military said the civilians had been asked to leave.

Preliminary investigations show that civilians did cross the blue line a few meters, and after being identified by IDF forces, they were expelled from the area, the IDF said.

Every attempt to approach or cross the border into Lebanese territory without coordination poses a life-threatening risk and disrupts the IDF's ability to operate in the region and carry out its mission, "the statement continued.

The Times of Israel said the area claimed by the group under Israeli military control was part of a ceasefire agreement signed last month between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Under the provisions of the November 26 ceasefire, Israeli troops may remain in Lebanon for 60 days.

Israel has yet to establish settlements in southern Lebanon, including when its military occupied the region in 1982-2000.