Situation on Lebanon-Israel border ‘extremely sensitive’: UNIFIL

By Naim Burjawi

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AA) – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) warned Thursday that the situation across the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel are "extremely sensitive."

On Wednesday, three members of Hezbollah group were injured by Israeli fire near the border village of Al-Bustan, according to Lebanese media.

There was no comment from the Lebanese group on the incident.

"We are aware of disturbing reports about an incident along the Blue Line," UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said in a statement.

"We are looking into it. In the meantime, the situation is extremely sensitive," she added, while urging all parties "to cease any actions that may lead to escalation."

The Israeli army said Wednesday that “a number of suspects” approached the northern security fence with Lebanon and “attempted to sabotage the security fence in the area."

A military statement said that Israeli soldiers "used means to distance them."

The army released a video showing four people approaching the fence before an apparent blast caused them to run away.

In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah fought a 34-day war in which more than 1,200 Lebanese – mostly civilians – were killed. Some 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers, were killed in the same conflict.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar