A new Israeli breach was reported in southern Lebanon after an Israeli force moved overnight toward the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya, days after withdrawing from it in July. The move was described as a violation of the arrangements for the trial zone under the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel.
The Lebanese News Agency said the Israeli force included infantry soldiers, several vehicles and a bulldozer, which entered the center of the town and built an earth barrier about 100 metres from the town square.
Incursion and earth barrier
According to the agency, the bulldozer built a new earthen berm inside Zawtar al-Gharbiya, while the Lebanese army remained stationed at its main position just metres away from the newly erected barrier.
The report added that Israeli drones and reconnaissance aircraft flew intensively and at low altitude over the town, further heightening tensions on the ground.
Background to the deployment
The Lebanese army had deployed in Zawtar al-Gharbiya after the Israeli withdrawal from the town on July 21, making it the first trial area from which Israel withdrew under the framework formula signed on June 26.
The latest move comes only weeks after those arrangements were put in place, raising concerns about compliance with the agreement.
Shelling and explosion reported in Meiss al-Jabal
In a separate development, media outlets said Israeli artillery targeted the Ali al-Tahir hill in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Reports added that Israeli forces carried out an explosion in the town of Meiss al-Jabal and conducted machine-gun fire toward Ali al-Tahir hill.
Rising tension on the southern border
The incident reflects continued tension along Lebanon’s southern frontier, where military activity and cross-border breaches have remained frequent amid close monitoring by Lebanese authorities.
Low-flying drones and reconnaissance flights also increase the sensitivity of the situation in an already volatile border area.
Conclusion:
The new Israeli breach in Zawtar al-Gharbiya marks another escalation in southern Lebanon, especially since it came after a prior withdrawal and within the framework of an agreement-based arrangement. With shelling and explosions also reported in nearby areas, the border remains highly tense.
