Israel Matzav

Breaking: Shots fired at IDF troops on Lebanese border, one reported killed

Shots have been fired at IDF troops on the Lebanese border by what the IDF believes is a lone gunman. An IDF investigation is underway and a complaint has been filed with UNIFIL.

An initial IDF assessment, based on data from lookout positions on the border, found fire was opened by a soldier form the Lebanese Armed Forces, who apparently was acting alone.

Six to seven shots were fired at a vehicle, which was located on a road adjacent to the electronic border fence with Lebanon.

"We are sending messages to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon regarding the severity of this incident. There is no indication that an infiltration into our territory occurred," an army source said. "The IDF is prepared in the North," he warned.

The shooting occurred at around 9 p.m., and immediately afterwards, Lebanese soldiers were seen gathering on their side of the border. The IDF has launched an investigation into the cross-border shooting.

Note that the IDF apparently did not fire across the border and kill the shooter as was the case in this incident and in this incident. One has to wonder why.

Tonight's incident occurred near Rosh haNikra on the northwestern border.

The Beirut Daily Star is reporting that an IDF soldier was killed. The IDF has not confirmed that yet. The Star is also claiming that IDF troops attempted to cross the border, which seems unlikely.

UPDATE MONDAY 12:26 AM

Haaretz is now confirming that an IDF soldier was killed this evening in the incident on the Lebanese border. They are also reporting that UNIFIL has confirmed that the incident took place on the Israeli side of the border. 

An Israeli soldier was killed Sunday evening by gunfire from Lebanon. The soldier's family has been informed. 

A round of bullets struck Israel from Lebanese territory, apparently fired by a soldier from the Lebanon Army. 

...

The IDF was concerned at first that the incident was a Lebanese attempt to distract the Israeli force to enable armed militants to cross the border, but an investigation has concluded that there was no infiltration and that the shooter was not from Hezbollah. 

...

The Lebanese Army also said that one of its soldiers was missing and that there was suspicion that he was being held in Israeli hands. The Lebanese army has declared high alert in the area and reported similar action on the Israeli part.

This is the first incident of its kind in three years. Israel has lodged a complaint with the Lebanese government and with the United Nations, but it does not seem as though this incident will lead to any sort of escalation between the two countries.

A spokesperson for the United Nations Force in Lebanon said that representatives of the international force were in dialogue with both sides in an attempt to prevent escalation and preserve the calm. He said the incident occurred on the Israeli side of the border and that the rest of the incidents were under investigation. Both sides were cooperating, he said.

They shoot and we negotiate. What could go wrong?

Labels: IDF, Lebanese Armed Forces, Lebanese border breach

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:35 PM