A reporter from the "National News Agency" reported on the intensive flights of hostile Israeli reconnaissance aircraft over Khalda, Aramoun, Bashamoun, and Shweifat since the morning hours.
The National News Agency had previously reported the presence of a hostile Israeli drone flying over the Manara area opposite the Lebanese town of Mais Al-Jabal, with the enemy launching several flares opposite Blida and Mais Al-Jabal and Hula. The agency noted that the electricity was unexpectedly cut off in the Metula settlement opposite Marjeyoun, highlighting that this phenomenon is unusual for Israeli forces.
In a related context, UNIFIL announced that the Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col chaired today the first tripartite military meeting of 2021 at the United Nations location in Ras Naqoura. The meeting was held in a compact format due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the situation along the Blue Line, air and ground violations, and other issues falling within UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and related resolutions.
Del Col praised the cooperation of the parties in mitigating emerging challenges, stating: "Any actions, especially near the Blue Line, must always consider the principles of positive engagement through the liaison and coordination mechanisms undertaken by UNIFIL, along with prior notification and respect for the Blue Line, to minimize potential sources of tension." He added that the liaison and coordination mechanisms carried out by UNIFIL, which are highly appreciated, play a crucial role in de-escalating tensions, and enhancing these mechanisms is a critical factor.
Del Col informed the parties about the progress made in renewing security infrastructure along the Blue Line, mentioning that more than 100 markers on the Blue Line have been renewed in recent months. He explained that marking the Blue Line is a tool for de-escalating tension, helping to reduce ambiguity and potential friction points, and that enhancing the security infrastructure along the Blue Line serves the interests of all.
Del Col emphasized that "the activities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli army along the Blue Line should not take place unexpectedly, along with adequate prior notification and coordination through UNIFIL to prevent escalation and avoid any potential misunderstandings."
A statement from UNIFIL highlighted that "tripartite meetings have been held regularly under UNIFIL's sponsorship since the end of the 2006 war in southern Lebanon and are a key mechanism for managing conflict and building trust."
For its part, the Lebanese army reiterated its condemnation of the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, both on land, at sea, and in the air, as well as the continuous overflights of hostile Israeli aircraft above Lebanese territories. The Lebanese side reaffirmed its commitment to international resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, with all its provisions.
The statement emphasized the necessity of the Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories, including the area adjacent to the northern Blue Line, the Shebaa Farms, and the Kfarshouba hills, the northern section of the Ghajar area, and the occupied B1 spot. It reiterated the need to include the occupied B1 area in upcoming UN reports and resolutions, as with the other mentioned occupied areas.
