Israeli, Lebanese armies face off after Israeli advance in south Lebanon
DEÏR MIMASS, Lebanon: Israel’s military moved forward on Friday in a south Lebanon village, facing off against a Lebanese army position and detonating stun grenades, Lebanon’s army and an AFP photographer said.
Deir Mimas, Lebanon - Israel's military advanced into a south Lebanon village on Friday, clashing with Lebanese army forces, according to reports from Lebanon's army and an AFP photographer. The incident occurred after Israel had occupied a section of southern Lebanon since a March conflict against Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran. The agreement stipulated that the Lebanese army would gradually assume control of the area, with Israel withdrawing once Hezbollah disarmed, a process that has progressed slowly.
In Deir Mimas, situated at the periphery of the Israeli-occupied territory, two Israeli tanks moved along a road towards the settlement, encountering a barricade. Beyond the barricade, Lebanese army vehicles were positioned. The Lebanese army asserted that Israeli forces approached an observation post, established on September 10 in coordination with ceasefire monitors, and discharged stun grenades nearby. In response, the army reinforced the post, leading to a tense standoff between the two sides.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported a similar account, stating that Israel had thrown six stun grenades. The AFP photographer witnessed the Lebanese army withdrawing by approximately 100 meters but maintaining a position facing the Israeli tanks. The army stated that the Israelis subsequently left the area, and army personnel returned to their main position in Deir Mimas.
The Lebanese army has refrained from engaging in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, focusing instead on taking control of the region.
On Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Jordan's King Abdullah II convened to rally international support for Lebanon's army as it strives to assert control over south Lebanon. Separately, the NNA reported that Israeli forces had set ablaze a government hospital in Mays al-Jabal, an area within Israel's declared security zone. Lebanon's health ministry condemned the act as a "barbaric crime."
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Israeli forces carry out demolitions in Lebanon, set fire to hospital middleeasteye.net
