Jump to content

2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Reverted 2 edits by 77.103.7.231 (talk); Sources indicate only 2 lebanese soldiers died. (TW)
Line 16: Line 16:
|strength2=10-15
|strength2=10-15
|casualties1=1 killed<br>1 wounded
|casualties1=1 killed<br>1 wounded
|casualties2=3 killed<br>5 wounded
|casualties2=2 killed<br>5 wounded
|casualties3=1 Lebanese [[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|Al Akhbar]] correspondent killed}}
|casualties3=1 Lebanese [[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|Al Akhbar]] correspondent killed}}
{{Fix bunching|mid}}
{{Fix bunching|mid}}
Line 22: Line 22:
{{Fix bunching|end}}
{{Fix bunching|end}}


The '''2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash''' occurred on August 3, 2010, when [[Lebanese Armed Forces]] (LAF) snipers opened fire on an [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) observation post when an IDF team attempted to cut down a tree on the Israeli side of the [[Blue Line (Lebanon)|Blue Line]], near the [[Israel]]i [[kibbutz]] of [[Misgav Am]] and the [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] village of [[Adaisseh]] ({{transl|ar|Odeissé}}).<ref name="au">[http://www.smh.com.au/world/israel-and-lebanon-on-alert-after-clash-20100804-11flf.html Israel and Lebanon on alert after clash, JASON KOUTSOUKIS HERALD]</ref><ref name="xin">[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-08/04/c_13429964.htm UN says trees causing clashes with Lebanon in Israeli side], Xinhua August 4, 2010</ref> A high-ranking Israeli officer was killed and another wounded when [[Lebanese Armed Forces]] (LAF) snipers opened fire after receiving authorization from senior Lebanese army commanders.<ref name=SMH_sniper>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/lebanese-commander-ordered-sniper-attack-20100805-11kqk.html |title=Lebanese commander ordered sniper attack on Israelis |publisher=smh.com.au |accessdate=2010-08-06 | first=Jason | last=Koutsoukis | date=2010-08-06}}</ref><ref name=Almanar/> Israeli forces returned fire and responded with artillery shelling and airstrikes on Lebanese positions,<ref name="au"/><ref name="guard">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/03/lebanon-israel-border-violence-soldiers |title=Israeli colonel, three Lebanese soldiers and journalist killed in border clashes |author=Harriet Sherwood |publisher=[[The Guardian]] |date= 2010-08-03 |accessdate=2010-08-10 | location=London}}</ref> killing three Lebanese soldiers and one [[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|Al Akhbar]] correspondent,<ref name=SMH_sniper/><ref name="guard"/> and wounding five other soldiers.<ref name=Almanar>{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=148884&language=en |title=Al-ManarTV:: 3 Lebanese Martyred, 1 Israeli Officer Killed in Odeisseh Clashes 03/08/2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |date=2010-07-25 |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref><ref name="jpost1">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=183508 |title='At least four Lebanese killed in border clashes' |publisher=Jpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref><ref name="bbc">{{cite news|author=Wyre Davies |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10851692 |title=BBC News – Israel-Lebanon border clash kills five people |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date= 2010-08-03|accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> This was the most serious escalation on the border since the [[2006 Lebanon War]].
The '''2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash''' occurred on August 3, 2010, when [[Lebanese Armed Forces]] (LAF) snipers opened fire on an [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) observation post when an IDF team attempted to cut down a tree on the Israeli side of the [[Blue Line (Lebanon)|Blue Line]], near the [[Israel]]i [[kibbutz]] of [[Misgav Am]] and the [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] village of [[Adaisseh]] ({{transl|ar|Odeissé}}).<ref name="au">[http://www.smh.com.au/world/israel-and-lebanon-on-alert-after-clash-20100804-11flf.html Israel and Lebanon on alert after clash, JASON KOUTSOUKIS HERALD]</ref><ref name="xin">[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-08/04/c_13429964.htm UN says trees causing clashes with Lebanon in Israeli side], Xinhua August 4, 2010</ref> A high-ranking Israeli officer was killed and another wounded when [[Lebanese Armed Forces]] (LAF) snipers opened fire after receiving authorization from senior Lebanese army commanders.<ref name=SMH_sniper>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/lebanese-commander-ordered-sniper-attack-20100805-11kqk.html |title=Lebanese commander ordered sniper attack on Israelis |publisher=smh.com.au |accessdate=2010-08-06 | first=Jason | last=Koutsoukis | date=2010-08-06}}</ref><ref name=Almanar/> Israeli forces returned fire and responded with artillery shelling and airstrikes on Lebanese positions,<ref name="au"/><ref name="guard">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/03/lebanon-israel-border-violence-soldiers |title=Israeli colonel, three Lebanese soldiers and journalist killed in border clashes |author=Harriet Sherwood |publisher=[[The Guardian]] |date= 2010-08-03 |accessdate=2010-08-10 | location=London}}</ref> killing two Lebanese soldiers and one [[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|Al Akhbar]] correspondent,<ref name=SMH_sniper/><ref name="guard"/> and wounding five other soldiers.<ref name=Almanar>{{cite web|url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/newssite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=148884&language=en |title=Al-ManarTV:: 3 Lebanese Martyred, 1 Israeli Officer Killed in Odeisseh Clashes 03/08/2010 |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |date=2010-07-25 |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref><ref name="jpost1">{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=183508 |title='At least four Lebanese killed in border clashes' |publisher=Jpost.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref><ref name="bbc">{{cite news|author=Wyre Davies |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10851692 |title=BBC News – Israel-Lebanon border clash kills five people |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date= 2010-08-03|accessdate=2010-08-03}}</ref> This was the most serious escalation on the border since the [[2006 Lebanon War]].


The Lebanese army maintains that it opened fire because the Israeli soldiers crossed the border into Lebanon.<ref name="SMH_sniper"/> Israel maintains that it only crossed over a fence on its side of the Blue Line, without ever crossing it the internationally recognized border between Israel and Lebanon.<ref name="daily_star">[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=117868#axzz0wpQ93rd5 UNIFIL says Israelis were in their territory, Beirut refutes claim], Daily Star 05-08-2010</ref> The [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon]] (UNIFIL) confirmed Israel's position, adding that Israel had informed them of the border work beforehand.<ref name="unifil_israelconfirmation"/><ref name="haaretz1">{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/lebanon-we-fired-first-at-idf-unit-near-israel-border-1.305929 |title=Lebanon: We fired first at IDF unit near Israel border |author=Barak Ravid |publisher=[[Haaretz]] |date= 2010-08-04 |accessdate=2010-08-04}}</ref><ref name="aljaz6"/> Lebanon's Information Minister later stated that "the Blue Line is not the international border and there are areas south of the Blue Line that are Lebanese territory."<ref name="daily_star" /><ref name="aljaz6"/>
The Lebanese army maintains that it opened fire because the Israeli soldiers crossed the border into Lebanon.<ref name="SMH_sniper"/> Israel maintains that it only crossed over a fence on its side of the Blue Line, without ever crossing it the internationally recognized border between Israel and Lebanon.<ref name="daily_star">[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=117868#axzz0wpQ93rd5 UNIFIL says Israelis were in their territory, Beirut refutes claim], Daily Star 05-08-2010</ref> The [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon]] (UNIFIL) confirmed Israel's position, adding that Israel had informed them of the border work beforehand.<ref name="unifil_israelconfirmation"/><ref name="haaretz1">{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/lebanon-we-fired-first-at-idf-unit-near-israel-border-1.305929 |title=Lebanon: We fired first at IDF unit near Israel border |author=Barak Ravid |publisher=[[Haaretz]] |date= 2010-08-04 |accessdate=2010-08-04}}</ref><ref name="aljaz6"/> Lebanon's Information Minister later stated that "the Blue Line is not the international border and there are areas south of the Blue Line that are Lebanese territory."<ref name="daily_star" /><ref name="aljaz6"/>

Revision as of 15:42, 17 November 2010

Template:Fix bunching

2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash
Part of the Israeli-Lebanese conflict

Village of Adaisseh (Odeissé) in Lebanon, as seen from Misgav Am, Israel
DateAugust 3, 2010
Location
Israel and Lebanon, near the Israeli community of Misgav Am and the Lebanese villages of Adaisseh and Kfar Kila
Belligerents
 Israel  Lebanon
Strength
artillery and attack helicopters[1] 10-15
Casualties and losses
1 killed
1 wounded		 2 killed
5 wounded
1 Lebanese Al Akhbar correspondent killed

Template:Fix bunching

Template:Fix bunching

The 2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash occurred on August 3, 2010, when Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) snipers opened fire on an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) observation post when an IDF team attempted to cut down a tree on the Israeli side of the Blue Line, near the Israeli kibbutz of Misgav Am and the Lebanese village of Adaisseh (Odeissé).[2][3] A high-ranking Israeli officer was killed and another wounded when Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) snipers opened fire after receiving authorization from senior Lebanese army commanders.[4][5] Israeli forces returned fire and responded with artillery shelling and airstrikes on Lebanese positions,[2][6] killing two Lebanese soldiers and one Al Akhbar correspondent,[4][6] and wounding five other soldiers.[5][7][8] This was the most serious escalation on the border since the 2006 Lebanon War.

The Lebanese army maintains that it opened fire because the Israeli soldiers crossed the border into Lebanon.[4] Israel maintains that it only crossed over a fence on its side of the Blue Line, without ever crossing it the internationally recognized border between Israel and Lebanon.[9] The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed Israel's position, adding that Israel had informed them of the border work beforehand.[10][11][12] Lebanon's Information Minister later stated that "the Blue Line is not the international border and there are areas south of the Blue Line that are Lebanese territory."[9][12]

The United States condemned the Lebanese fire on IDF soldiers as "wholly unjustified and unwarranted",[13] and in response to the incident the United States House of Representatives announced a suspension of aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Lebanon responded by saying that it would decline any military assistance from the United States that is conditioned on its agreeing not to use those weapons against Israel.[14]

Background

In the weeks leading up to the incident hostile rhetoric was traded between the Lebanese (particularly Hezbollah) and Israeli sides in light of the reports suggesting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon would indict Hezbollah members. Following an impromptu visit to Lebanon by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and Syria's Bashar al-Assad just days before the incident, various media in Lebanon and outside said the likelihood of sparking an outbreak of violence eased.[15] Two days before the incident, however, Assad made a statement marking Syria's Army Day warning that "The spectre of real peace in the region is disappearing, and the possibility of war is increasing."[16]

Confrontation

The Blue Line covers the Lebanese-Israeli border; an extension covers the Lebanese-Golan Heights border

There were conflicting reports as to how the firefight began. The Lebanese Army claims the conflict began when an IDF patrol attempted to uproot some trees between the Lebanese villages of Adaisseh and Kfar Kila, while the Israeli Army claimed two officers had been attacked by snipers, one soldier shot in the head and the other in the chest, in a "well planned ambush" during routine maintenance operation on its side of the border. Other reports said the Israeli soldiers were attempting to plant cameras.[7][17] UNIFIL confirmed the Israeli claim that the soldiers were inside Israeli territory when the clashes erupted.[10]

Israeli accounts

An Israeli Apache AH-64D.

According to an IDF spokesperson, "the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) fired at an IDF position along the Lebanese border in northern Israel. The soldiers were in Israeli territory, carrying out routine maintenance and was pre-coordinated with UNIFIL." Only then, the spokesperson said, did Israel return fire.[18] The Israel Defense Forces have released aerial footage showing that the IDF soldiers were standing in Israeli territory when fired upon, and "did not cross the Lebanese border." United Nations representatives confirmed the photos.[19] Israeli analysts speculated that a renegade commander sympathetic to Hezbollah may have ordered the attack.[20]

The Israeli position was an observation post. The Israeli battalion commander was instantly killed after being shot in the head by a Lebanese sniper, and the other Israeli officer who was severely wounded was hit in the chest. They had been shot from a range of about 700 meters. A military spokeswoman said there were about two or three shots from Lebanon and that the surprise attack seemed like an ambush.[20] The Israeli military said its soldiers returned fire with small arms.

Village of Adaisseh in Lebanon, as seen from Misgav Am, Israel. Area of the 2010 Israel–Lebanon border clash marked with red

Israel responded with artillery fire at Lebanese Army positions, and a pair of Israeli Air Force Apache helicopters were dispatched to strike army outposts. The Israeli Army claimed that the outposts held a "dominating position" and could have posed a threat to Israeli troops still on the ground. A Lebanese Armed Forces command center in the southern Lebanese town of Al Taybeh was also struck. Two Lebanese soldiers were killed in their armored personnel carriers after Israeli artillery destroyed the vehicle. A number of LAF armored personnel carriers parked nearby were also destroyed.[21][21][22] [23] Israeli shells also reportedly hit the village of Adaisseh,[22][23][24] killing a Lebanese journalist and wounding another.[25] Following the first response from Israel, the Israelis were asked to hold their fire so that the Lebanese could evacuate the wounded.[26] Israel respected the cease-fire until a rocket-propelled grenade was fired toward an Israeli tank about 30 minutes later.[27] Israeli soldiers then shot at the RPG team.

Lebanese accounts

Lebanese M113 APCs, like those destroyed by Israel in the incident.

According to Lebanon, Israeli soldiers crossed into Lebanon to uproot trees which blocked their view. A military spokesperson said Lebanese troops fired warning shots and called out to the Israeli troops to cease their actions, when Israeli troops fired on their position, forcing them to return fire, killing the Israeli commander, and that the IDF replied with bombing and shelling, killing two Lebanese soldiers. Lebanese soldiers then fired rocket-propelled grenades at an Israeli tank.[28][29] A Lebanese security official said "The Israelis fired four rockets that fell near a Lebanese army position in the village of Adaisseh and the Lebanese army fired back."[24] However a spokesperson from the Lebanese army later stated that Lebanese soldiers fired first, saying to AFP "the Lebanese Army opened fire first at Israeli soldiers who entered Lebanese territory... this constituted defense of our sovereignty and is an absolute right." [30][31]

Allegations of planned ambush

If this incident was not planned in advance, why did field commanders in the Lebanese army bother to dispatch journalists to the area and ensure that cameras were present at the site?

— IDF spokesperson

A report released by senior Israeli officials in Jerusalem accuses the Lebanese army of taking "advantage of the fact that the IDF delayed several hours of maintenance work" near the Lebanese border, to "plan and prepare an ambush" against IDF troops. According to the report, the Israeli Army contacted UNIFIL at 6:00 on 3 August to inform them of maintenance work to commence three hours later. UNIFIL representatives responded that their forces needed extra time to prepare for the IDF presence and requested the IDF delay work until 11:00. The Israeli army delayed the operation by several hours.[12] UNIFIL commanders then told the Lebanese Army of the IDF plans. At this point it was suspected by Israel that the Lebanese military used the extra time to prepare an ambush, even inviting journalists and photographers to the site to observe its aftermath.[32]

IDF officers accused the Lebanese military of briefing journalists and photographers in advance of the confrontation. Officials have questioned the large presence of journalists and broadcast trucks at the scene before the clash ensued:[33]

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) officials in Lebanon have said that the IDF informed the organization of its intention to conduct routine maintenance in the area where the Lebanese Army opened fire on IDF soldiers.[34] UNIFIL said Israeli soldiers were inside Israeli territory when the border clashes erupted.[35]

UNIFIL established ... that the trees being cut by the Israeli army are located south of the Blue Line on the Israeli side.

— UNIFIL military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Naresh Bhatt.[10]

UNIFIL personnel later visited the site of the skirmish. According to Israeli officials who spoke to UNIFIL representatives, UNIFIL determined that Lebanese forces had no reason to fire on Israeli troops.[35] Milos Strugar, a Yugoslav diplomat and senior political advisor to UNIFIL Force Commander Alberto Asarta said he "does not believe IDF soldiers crossed the international border during the maintenance work."[36][37]

Casualties

See also: Israeli casualties of war

The casualties of the incident were:

  • Israeli reserve battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Dov Harari was killed when a Lebanese sniper shot him in the head, and reserve company commander Captain Ezra Lakia sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.[28]
  • Two Lebanese soldiers, Sergeant Robert Elias al Ashi and Sergeant Abdullah Mohammad al Tufaili, were killed when Israeli artillery fire destroyed their Armored personnel carrier.[38][39] Five other soldiers were wounded during the clashes.
  • Assaf Abu Rahhal, a journalist for Lebanon's Al-Akhbar newspaper, was killed when Adaisseh was shelled by Israeli artillery.[40] Ali Shuaib, a journalist from Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar was moderately wounded and taken to a treatment center.

Reactions

Israel

I see the Lebanese government as directly responsible for this violent provocation against Israel.

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he held the Lebanese government "directly accountable for this violent provocation against Israel." He also added that "Israel responded aggressively, and will do so in the future against any attempt to violate the quiet on [our] northern border, and attack residents of the north and the soldiers who are protecting them."[2] Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned the Lebanese government against "continuing to provoke IDF forces." He added that Israel would not tolerate any attacks on soldiers or citizens "within its sovereign territory" and also called on the international community to condemn the "criminal act carried out by the Lebanese army."[41] He later added that "It was a very grave provocation and we reacted in a measured, just and immediate manner. Tuesday's incident was not programmed by the chiefs of staff of the Lebanese army in Beirut or by Hezbollah. I hope there will be no escalation, that we will have a calm summer and that things will return to normal." He also expressed concern that the United States and France had "provided sophisticated weapons to Lebanon which were used in Tuesday's incident and could fall into Hezbollah's hands."[42] The Foreign Ministry labeled the incident a "severe violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701" and only "one of many violations of Resolution 1701, the most severe of which is the massive rearmament of Hizbullah, including the rearmament of Hizbullah units in southern Lebanon." It declared, "Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible for the grave incident, and warns of the consequences should these continue." Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman "instructed the Israeli diplomatic delegation to the United Nations to file a protest with the UN Secretary General and the Security Council."[43] Major General Gadi Eisenkot said "It was a planned ambush by a sniper unit ... this was a provocation by the Lebanese army. We view this fire was a highly grave incident. Our forces responded at once, and immediately after that we resorted to artillery and gunship fire." Israel also filed a complaint with the United Nations claiming Lebanese soldiers opened fire despite the IDF having informed UNIFIL forces in advance of its plan to cut down a tree along the border fence.[41] Former Israeli Defense minister Shaul Mofaz called the incident a "planned terror attack" and said he had "no doubt that Hizbullah was involved in the Lebanese Army's actions." Mofaz also criticized UNIFIL's involvement, stating that their "inability to prevent the Lebanese Army from firing on IDF soldiers proves their incompetence."[44]

Israeli sources also claimed UNIFIL forces said the Lebanese soldiers had no reason to open fire as the Israeli army was conducting routine activity.[45] Government officials in Israel have criticized the United States and France for supporting Lebanon's military in the wake of the border clash. The US has provided Lebanon with over 400 million in military aid, and France has supplied the military with advanced anti-tank missiles.[46]

UN Ambassador Daniel Carmon wrote a letter of complaint to the UN that: "These attacks threaten stability, peace, and security in our region. In response to this grave incident that constitutes a blatant violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701, Israel exercised its right of self-defense, responding with the appropriate measures on LAF positions in the area. Israel holds the Government of Lebanon responsible for these attacks and all actions conducted from Lebanese territory. Israel calls upon the international community to exert its influence and to take the necessary measures with the Lebanese authorities to ensure that such provocative violations will not be repeated."[47]

Israel's security cabinet called a meeting to discuss "the consequences of the attacks for which the Lebanese government is responsible. It is evident that the Lebanese government is doubly responsible: the attack against our soldiers occurred when they were on Israeli territory and it is Lebanese soldiers who opened fire and forced us to respond."[48]

According to Lebanese news sources, the Israeli government has requested that Lebanon court-martial the commander of the Lebanese unit that fired at IDF troops across the border.[49]

Lebanon

President Michel Suleiman vowed to "stand up to Israel's violation of Resolution 1701, whatever the price".[50] He denounced the clash including the "bombing of a Lebanese army checkpoint and attacks on Lebanese property"[51] and called for both countries to respect the Blue Line. Prime Minister Saad Hariri called the attack a "violation of Lebanese sovereignty and demands." He called for "the United Nations and the international community bear their responsibilities and pressure Israel to stop its aggression."[16] Speaker Nabih Berri called on the government to "urgently file a complaint to the Security Council over the violation of Resolution 1701."[51] Minister of Social Affairs Selim el-Sayegh of the Phalange party said "The history of the Lebanese army's actions have been defensive ... it is in no position whatsoever to conduct any attack against Israel. It wants only to defend Lebanese territory ... Israel has been doing these activities as a matter of provocation.[52]

I say honestly, that in any place where the Lebanese Army will be assaulted and there's a presence for the resistance, and it is capable, the resistance will not stand silent, or quiet or restrained.

— Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's General Secretary

Lebanese Information Minister Tarek Mitri stated that Lebanon respects the border but contests part of it. He said that while the tree which triggered the confrontation is on the Israeli side of the border, it "is Lebanese territory."[53]

Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah declared that in the future his group would not "stand silent" in any future attacks against the LAF and that "The Israeli hand that targets the Lebanese army will be cut off. [However] I don't expect a war to happen soon...but there are reasons for worry."[54] He added that "We told our militants to hold back, not to do anything. [But] From now on, if the army is attacked in any area where the resistance [Hezbollah] has a presence or a say, we will not stand by idly."[55] He also praised the Lebanese army saying it "acted courageously and decisively. Lebanon in its entirety will not consent to attacks on its sacred soil and will fight with full courage."[56] In addition to his support for the army he said "We contacted the president and the army command and told them that the party is at their service."[57]

The Higher Defence Council chief, General Said Eid, said Lebanon stood ready to confront Israeli aggression "by all available means."[2] Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said they would be ready to strike the heart of Israel in the event of a new aggression against Lebanon. "Israel must understand that any aggression on Lebanon, no matter how small, gives us the complete right to retaliate when and how we find appropriate and in line with Lebanon's political interests. Hezbollah chooses when to be patient and when to retaliate. When Israel threatens to destroy Lebanon, it knows Hezbollah is capable of making Israel suffer properly. Israel's territory will be completely exposed and they will have to bear responsibility for that aggression and pay the price."[56]

Maronite Bishops also condemned Israel's "aggression" and said they were sorry for the Lebanese army victims. Following the Council of Maronite Bishops' monthly meeting, they issued a statement describing the dead as "heroic martyrs;" they also called on all Lebanese to put their differences aside and "focus on what brings them closer together because the country's stability is based on their closeness."[58]

A spokesman for the LAF said Lebanon stands ready to retaliate in the event of any new aggression. "The answer will be the same in the event of any aggression along the border. Any aggression against Lebanon will have serious consequences." He added that the army was in contact with UNIFIL after Israeli army radio said troops planned to try again to uproot the tree in the border area. OTV reported that the LAF commander General Jean Kahwaji Odeisseh.[59]

The day after the incident Lebanese authorities also arrested a senior member of the opposition bloc's Free Patriotic Movement, Fayez Karam, on suspicion of spying for Israel.[60]

International organisations

The European Union urged restraint from both sides.[8]

The head of the United Nations peacekeeping operations Alain le Roy said that UNIFIL "established...that the trees being cut by the Israeli army are located south of the Blue Line on the Israeli side," and that the Israeli army gave notification of "several hours...by the Israeli authorities of their intention to do this operation, and immediately as procedure we informed the Lebanese side." UNIFIL then asked Israel to delay cutting down the trees in order to "facilitate an agreement between the two parties." Though the Israeli army delayed the operation by several hours, le Roy said the UN would have liked a longer delay.[12] UNIFIL Spokesman Neeraj Singh confirmed the firefight and urged both sides to use "maximum restraint." He added that "UNIFIL peacekeepers are in the area and are trying to ascertain the circumstances of the incident and any possible casualties. Our immediate priority at this time is to restore calm in the area."[16] The United Nations Security Council held a backdoor meeting, and called on all parties to practice "utmost restraint".[1] Following initial investigation of the incident, UNIFIL confirmed the Israeli claim that the soldiers were inside Israeli territory when the clashes erupted.[10]

  • Reports said UNIFIL confirmed that the IDF informed them of the intention to conduct routine maintenance.[34] According to Israeli officials who spoke to UNIFIL representatives, UNIFIL determined that Lebanese forces had no reason to fire on Israeli troops.[35][36] UNIFIL military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Naresh Bhatt said "UNIFIL established ... that the trees being cut by the Israeli army are located south of the Blue Line on the Israeli side."[10] However, the next day UNIFIL issued a statement saying it is still conducting an investigation in the area.[55] Milos Struger, the political adviser to UNIFIL said Lebanese forces had been advised of the brush-clearing operation several hours in advance.[2]
  • Deputy Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said UNIFIL had called an extraordinary meeting with senior representatives of both the Lebanese and Israeli armies at Ras Al Naqoura under the auspices of the UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas.[59]
  • The United Nations peacekeeping force in south Lebanon has said that it wants to clearly mark the boundary between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFIL force commander Maj. Gen. Alberto Asarta Cuevas said that he met with representatives of the Lebanese and Israeli armies to discuss the UN-drawn Blue Line boundary. The Blue Line is not marked clearly. A fence Israel erected to separate the countries does not always match the official boundary.[61]

International reactions

Political reactions
  •  Egypt – Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned Israel over the incident saying it violated both Lebanon's sovereignty and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 that was the basis for the 2006 ceasefire.[48] Gheit urged UNIFIL to calm the situation, and prevent any further Israeli violations of Resolution 1701.[1]
  •  Iran – In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said, "The Islamic republic of Iran strongly condemns the Zionist regime's incursion in the southern regions of Lebanon which resulted in the martyrdom of a handful of children of the Lebanese army." It added that the "hysterical assault" by Israel raised an existing concern about a "new adventure" against Lebanon.[1]
  •  Jordan – Jordanian Prime Minister Samir Rifai emphasized Amman's support for Lebanon and rejection of any aggression against the country, but warned of the effect any future clashes could have on attempts to work towards peace in the region. The Jordanian cabinet released a statement saying that it was "deeply concerned about the dangerous escalation in Lebanese territory."[1]
  •  Syria – President Bashar al-Assad called his Lebanese counterpart to express "Syria's support for Lebanon against the heinous aggression launched by Israel on Lebanon ... this aggression proves once more that Israel has always been seeking to destabilize security and stability in Lebanon and the region."[62] al-Assad received Lebanese leaders Walid Jumblatt and Public Affairs Minister Ghazi Aridi the next day and to discuss developments in Lebanon and its serious ramifications for the region. The Lebanese MP's appreciated Syria's firm stance in support of Lebanon and its keenness on Lebanon's security.[63]

The firing by the Lebanese Armed Forces was wholly unjustified and unwarranted.

— US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley.[64]
  •  United States – President Barack Obama conveyed his condolences through Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak to the family of Harari.[47] The United States said[who?] that it was "extremely concerned." State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley stated that "we deeply regret the loss of life. We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint to avoid an escalation, and maintain the ceasefire that is now in place." He also expressed concerns that the incident might expand into "something more significant," and that U.S. officials had been trying to make sure it went no further.[1] A senior American official in Washington said that, based on what had been learned so far, the Lebanese military appeared to have been responsible for starting the gunfire.[27] Florida Representative Ron Klein called for an investigation into U.S. military aid to Lebanon in order to determine whether the Lebanese soldiers involved had used American-supplied military equipment or American-funded training.[65]
Apolitical reactions
  •  Canada – Canada warned its nationals to avoid travel to Lebanon due to a situation that "remains fragile" and because "Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at greater risk."[66]

Media

In addition to international reactions the global media were also quick to point out this was a dramatic shift in already heated tensions: The Guardian said this was the "most serious clashes along Israel-Lebanon border since the 2006 war;"[67] the Los Angeles Times said "The deaths are the first since the end of the 2006 Lebanon War;"[68] Sky News said this was "the most serious escalation of violence since the 2006 war;"[23] The New York Times called this "the fiercest clash in the area since Israel's month long war against the Lebanese Hezbollah militia in the summer of 2006;"[69] Reuters in Canada called it "a rare cross-border skirmish;"[70] The Sydney Morning Herald asserted prominence for the attack because "The UN Security Council has gone into closed-door consultations;"[71] Time asked "Is the Middle East on the Brink of a New Regional War?"[72] while Al Jazeera's Rula Amin said "This is a very significant development. For the first time in years, clashes are taking place between Israel and the Lebanese army, not Hezbollah."[24]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Fisk, Robert. "Robert Fisk: Israel-Lebanon tensions flare after skirmish leaves four dead." The Independent. 4 August 2010. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e Israel and Lebanon on alert after clash, JASON KOUTSOUKIS HERALD
  3. ^ UN says trees causing clashes with Lebanon in Israeli side, Xinhua August 4, 2010
  4. ^ a b c Koutsoukis, Jason (2010-08-06). "Lebanese commander ordered sniper attack on Israelis". smh.com.au. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  5. ^ a b "Al-ManarTV:: 3 Lebanese Martyred, 1 Israeli Officer Killed in Odeisseh Clashes 03/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  6. ^ a b Harriet Sherwood (2010-08-03). "Israeli colonel, three Lebanese soldiers and journalist killed in border clashes". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
  7. ^ a b "'At least four Lebanese killed in border clashes'". Jpost.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  8. ^ a b Wyre Davies (2010-08-03). "BBC News – Israel-Lebanon border clash kills five people". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  9. ^ a b UNIFIL says Israelis were in their territory, Beirut refutes claim, Daily Star 05-08-2010
  10. ^ a b c d e Hamilton, Douglas (August 4, 2010). "Israeli soldiers in Israel during clash: U.N." Reuters. Retrieved August 5, 2010. [dead link] Cite error: The named reference "unifil_israelconfirmation" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  11. ^ Barak Ravid (2010-08-04). "Lebanon: We fired first at IDF unit near Israel border". Haaretz. Retrieved 2010-08-04.
  12. ^ a b c d http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/08/20108415406224759.html
  13. ^ PM issues warnings to Lebanon, Hamas, Jerusalem Post 08-04-2010
  14. ^ Lebanon says it will refuse military aid from U.S. that can't be used against Israel Haaretz 12-08-2010
  15. ^ "Talks 'diffuse' Lebanon tensions – middleeast". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  16. ^ a b c "Assad: Chances of war 'increasing' – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. 2010-07-16. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  17. ^ Israel-Lebanon border clash kills five people
  18. ^ "Lebanese army opens fire at IDF force on northern border". Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  19. ^ 'IDF soldiers did not cross border'
  20. ^ a b Hamilton, Douglas (2009-02-09). "Blood on the rocks by Israel-Lebanon tripwire". Reuters. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  21. ^ a b "Lethal clash: Senior IDF commander killed in border skirmish – Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  22. ^ a b Yaakov Katz. "IDF commander killed on Lebanon border". Jpost.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  23. ^ a b c "Sky News". News.sky.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  24. ^ a b c "Troops die in Israel-Lebanon clash – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  25. ^ http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=18categ_id=2&article_id=117831#ixzz0vf8OHyhE
  26. ^ Isabel Kershner; Nada Bakri (2010-08-04). "Lethal Clash at Israeli-Lebanon Border". The New York Times. p. A9. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  27. ^ a b Kershner, Isabel (2010-08-04). "U.N. Supports Israeli Account of Border Clash". The New York Times.
  28. ^ a b Yaakov Katz. "IDF commander killed on Lebanon border". Jpost.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  29. ^ Khoury, Jack (2008-04-02). "Lebanon denounces claim it provoked deadly clash in north – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News". Haaretz.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  30. ^ "Lebanese army confirms: We fired first – Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  31. ^ Harriet Sherwood in Jerusalem (2010-08-04). "Tree that sparked deadly border clash on Israeli side, says UN | World news". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  32. ^ Report: Lebanese used delay to prepare ambush
  33. ^ "IDF: Journalists were tipped off – Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  34. ^ a b "UNIFIL: IDF informed us of maintenance work near border". Jpost.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  35. ^ a b c [1][dead link]
  36. ^ a b UNIFIL confirms IDF claims
  37. ^ http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/08/04/audio-transcript-of-israel-army-radios-interview-with-unifil-spokesman-milos-struger-4-aug-2010/ Audio + Transcript of Israel Army Radio’s Interview with UNIFIL Spokesman, Milos Strugar, 4 Aug 2010
  38. ^ Harriet Sherwood in Jerusalem (2010-08-03). "Israeli colonel, three Lebanese soldiers and journalist killed in border clashes | World news". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  39. ^ "Live update on Lebanon-Israel border clashes | Ya Libnan | World News Live from Lebanon". LB: Ya Libnan. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  40. ^ "Politics – Journalist Abu Rahhal slain while reporting on clashes". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  41. ^ a b "Barak to Lebanon: We won't tolerate provocations – Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  42. ^ "Al-ManarTV:: Barak: Skirmishes Lebanese Provocation 04/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  43. ^ "Firing on IDF patrol from Lebanon". Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  44. ^ Mofaz calls Lebanon clash 'planned terror attack'
  45. ^ "UNIFIL says IDF activity did not warrant Lebanese fire – Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  46. ^ Israel blames U.S., France for arming Lebanon
  47. ^ a b August 4, 2010. "U.N.: Israeli troops were in own territory | JTA – Jewish & Israel News". JTA. Retrieved 2010-08-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ a b "Al-ManarTV:: Israeli Violation of Lebanese Sovereignty in World's Eyes… 03/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  49. ^ Israel demands LAF court-martial Jerusalem Post, 08/06/2010
  50. ^ "Lebanese president: Stand up to Israel – Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  51. ^ a b "Al-ManarTV:: Lebanon Ready to Face Israeli Aggression 'by All Means' 03/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  52. ^ "Live coverage: Clashes at the Israel-Lebanon border | Al Jazeera Blogs". Blogs.aljazeera.net. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  53. ^ Associated Press, August 4, 2010 Flare-up over tree accents Israel-Lebanon tension, By MARK LAVIE
  54. ^ "Hezbollah says will act if Israel attacks again". Reuters. 3 August 2010.
  55. ^ a b "UN urges Israel-Lebanon restraint – Middle East". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  56. ^ a b "Al-ManarTV:: Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah Capable of Making Israel Suffer 04/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  57. ^  By Lamis Andoni (2010-04-08). "Border skirmish a 'fire douser' – Focus". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  58. ^ "Al-ManarTV:: Maronite Bishops Sorry for Lebanese Army Victims 04/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  59. ^ a b "Al-ManarTV:: Israel Cuts down Lebanon Trees under UNIFIL Eyes 04/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  60. ^ "Al-ManarTV:: Lebanon Ex-General Detained on Suspicion of Spying for Israel 04/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  61. ^ "UN seeks to clearly mark Israel-Lebanon border, after deadly clash". Haaretz. The Associated Press. 19 August 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
  62. ^ "Syria condemns 'Israeli aggression'". Presstv.ir. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  63. ^ "Al-ManarTV:: Assad and Jumblatt: Resistance Guarantee against Israeli Plots 04/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  64. ^ Tovah, By. "PM issues stern warnings to Lebanon, Hamas over attacks". Jpost.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  65. ^ http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id-184003
  66. ^ "Al-ManarTV:: Canada Warns against Non-Essential Travel to Lebanon 04/08/2010". Almanar.com.lb. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  67. ^ * The Guardian
  68. ^ Sanders, Edmund (2010-08-04). "''Los Angeles Times''". Latimes.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  69. ^ The New York Times
  70. ^ "Reuters Canada". Ca.reuters.com. 2009-02-09. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  71. ^ Siqlawi, Jihad (2010-08-04). "''The Sydney Morning Herald''". News.smh.com.au. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  72. ^ Karon, Tony (2010-08-03). "''Time''". Time.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2010_Israel–Lebanon_border_clash&oldid=397318966"