Israeli jets overhead, bulldozers near border

Israeli warplanes flew low over south Lebanon Thursday as Israeli bulldozers engaged in work in the area between the technical fence and the Blue Line. The overflights, from south of the Litani River to Sidon coincided with Israeli work near the border town of Bint Jbeil, high-ranking security sources told The Daily Star. They said the three bulldozers involved in the operation did not cross the Blue Line. Nevertheless, Lebanon has previously expressed its reservations regarding Israel’s actions near the border villages of Maroun al-Ras and Aitaroun. The security sources, who spoke to The Daily Star on condition of anonymity, expected Lebanon to contest Israel’s moves by protesting to UNIFIL, the United Nations force in south Lebanon. Sources from UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army said Israel’s actions were part of an effort to construct a security wall near the border town of Kfar Kila. Israeli soldiers and combat engineer units in a convoy of four armored Humvees and three GMC vehicles Wednesday put red marks in the area where Israel intends to build the wall. The Lebanese Army and UN peacekeepers deployed in the area upon the arrival of the Israeli unit at 10 a.m. to observe the work and ensure that there were no violations of Lebanon’s territorial integrity. The 5-meter-high, 1-kilometer-long security wall, which would separate the adjacent villages of Metula in Israel and Kfar Kila in Lebanon, is expected to be equipped with surveillance cameras and alarm systems. Credible sources in south Lebanon said Israel has set March 12 as the date to start construction work. UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was introduced to maintain the cessation of hostilities following the end of the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon, established a buffer zone on the Lebanese side of the Blue Line temporary border where only UNIFIL and Lebanese Army troops are permitted. Israeli officials have said the purpose of building the security wall is to prevent future clashes.