Tensions escalate on Lebanon border after Israel breaches Blue Line

Israeli forces on Friday fired tear gas at Lebanese protesters in southern Lebanon's Kafr Shuba area after they demonstrated in support of a farmer who had been defending his land against an Israeli bulldozer. 

UNIFIL peacekeepers and Lebanese military personnel were heavily deployed to restore calm.

The UN personnel held signs along the border urging Israel not to cross the Blue Line, while Lebanese soldiers, some armed with RPGs, were stationed there.

An extraordinary tripartite meeting took place in Naqoura between Lebanese and Israeli military officers, with UNIFIL commander Major General Aroldo Lazaro heading the discussion, according to a statement by the peacekeeping forces.

Lazaro was "coordinating with both sides in an attempt to reduce tension and is calling for caution to prevent an unprecedented escalation", according to comments by a UNIFIL spokesman carried by the French daily  L'Orient-Le Jour, adding: "Lazaro is urging Israel not to cross the Blue line".

The Lebanese Army condemned Israeli violations of Lebanon's sovereignty, emphasising the need for it to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories.

A farmer from the Lebanese village of Kfarchouba defies an Israeli army bulldozer attempting to dig a trench near border between Israel and Lebanon https://t.co/HzhbwRICe3 pic.twitter.com/9QW4ry6ioz

— ANADOLU AGENCY (@anadoluagency) June 8, 2023

Protesters had gathered at the border area after videos shared on social media showed farmer Ismail Nasser refusing to budge as an Israeli bulldozer pushed dirt at him, covering his legs, before stopping at the behest of UNIFIL forces.

UNIFIL, established in 1978, serves as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel, but tensions along the border are not uncommon.

Earlier this year, concerns arose over potential military tensions due to Israeli construction work near the border.