Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest
August 3, 2010
Israel Clarifies:
IDF Soldiers Fully Within Israeli Territory, Intentionally Targeted
UNIFIL and LAF Knew of Maintenance Work Well in Advance
WASHINGTON - Earlier today, Lebanon army snipers targeted Israeli soldiers that were positioned along the Lebanese border in northern Israel. At the time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were within Israeli territory, performing routine maintenance work. Specifically, the IDF was in a border area located east of the internationally recognized "Blue Line" (the border between Israel and Lebanon), and west of Israel's security fence adjacent to the Israeli town of Misgav Am - thus, within Israeli territory.
Today's maintenance work, tree trimming, had been fully pre-coordinated with UNIFIL. In July, the IDF patrolled the area in question with UNIFIL, and discussed the maintenance work to be performed. Today, the IDF informed UNIFIL that this maintenance work would be carried out later in the day. UNIFIL asked the IDF to delay the work for a few hours, which the IDF did. UNIFIL then gave notice to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) three hours beforehand. The LAF knew well in advance that this routine maintenance work would be performed today.
Israel suffered casualties from LAF sniper fire intentionally directed at soldiers who were 250 feet (80 meters) away from the maintenance work. The IDF immediately returned fire with light arms, followed by artillery reinforcements. Several minutes later, an Israel Air Force (IAF) helicopter fired at the LAF Battalion Command Center in Al-Taybeh, damaging several LAF armored combat vehicles.
Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible for this incident, and for grossly violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Israel joins the international community in calling upon the Lebanese government to take hold of the situation and prevent any further escalation.
Israel Clarifies:
IDF Soldiers Fully Within Israeli Territory, Intentionally Targeted
UNIFIL and LAF Knew of Maintenance Work Well in Advance
WASHINGTON - Earlier today, Lebanon army snipers targeted Israeli soldiers that were positioned along the Lebanese border in northern Israel. At the time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were within Israeli territory, performing routine maintenance work. Specifically, the IDF was in a border area located east of the internationally recognized "Blue Line" (the border between Israel and Lebanon), and west of Israel's security fence adjacent to the Israeli town of Misgav Am - thus, within Israeli territory.
Today's maintenance work, tree trimming, had been fully pre-coordinated with UNIFIL. In July, the IDF patrolled the area in question with UNIFIL, and discussed the maintenance work to be performed. Today, the IDF informed UNIFIL that this maintenance work would be carried out later in the day. UNIFIL asked the IDF to delay the work for a few hours, which the IDF did. UNIFIL then gave notice to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) three hours beforehand. The LAF knew well in advance that this routine maintenance work would be performed today.
Israel suffered casualties from LAF sniper fire intentionally directed at soldiers who were 250 feet (80 meters) away from the maintenance work. The IDF immediately returned fire with light arms, followed by artillery reinforcements. Several minutes later, an Israel Air Force (IAF) helicopter fired at the LAF Battalion Command Center in Al-Taybeh, damaging several LAF armored combat vehicles.
Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible for this incident, and for grossly violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Israel joins the international community in calling upon the Lebanese government to take hold of the situation and prevent any further escalation.
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