Israeli forces seize Deir Mimas post after standoff with Lebanese Army
Israeli forces on Friday seized control of a position established by the Lebanese Army on the outskirts of the southern town of Deir Mimas following the withdrawal of the Lebanese troops, Al-Jadeed TV said.
The Israeli army had earlier hurled six stun grenades at the entrance of Deir Mimas, demanding that the Lebanese Army remove the checkpoint from the area and arguing that it lies within the Israeli-designated Yellow Zone.
According to an AFP photographer, the Lebanese Army withdrew by about 100 meters but remained in a position facing the Israeli tanks.
The Lebanese army recently established itself at the site and also has a presence at other locations in Deir Mimas on the edge of the Israeli-occupied zone, according to the photographer.
Al-Arabiya’s Al-Hadath channel said the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon was contacted to determine whether the position falls inside or outside the Yellow Line so that the dispute can be resolved accordingly.
Al-Jadeed had reported that the Israeli army had “threatened to target the Lebanese Army if it does not withdraw from the town of Deir Mimas."
The National News Agency for its part said the Israeli forces searched a number of the town's houses after the standoff.
Israel has been occupying a swathe of south Lebanon since war broke out in March against Hezbollah, but the Lebanese Army is supposed to gradually take control of the area under a framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv.
Under the deal, Iran-backed Hezbollah is meant to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, but progress has been slow, with Israel warning it will stay put as long as its foe remains a threat.
Source: Naharnet, Agence France Presse
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