'IDF moves prompt Lebanon to up alert'

[Chris]

'IDF moves prompt Lebanon to up alert'
By JPOST.COM STAFF

Although IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi downplayed the recent tensions in southern Lebanon following the June 14 arms depot explosion, local media reported Tuesday evening that IDF tanks had assumed new positions near the Shaba Farms region, prompting the Lebanese army to increased its alert along the northern border. Lebanese sources claimed that four IDF tanks had moved toward a new IDF post located near the border, while IAF aircraft flew in Lebanese airspace.

In light of the developments, the reports said, UNIFIL forces along the border had also increased their alert and were monitoring the actions of both sides. The Jerusalem Post could not confirm the reports. Ashkenazi had said earlier Tuesday that despite the turmoil caused by the weapons depot explosion, the IDF did not view the situation in the North as indicative of an impending war. "We are seriously tracking the events on the northern border," Ashkenazi said during a tour of the IDF recruitment headquarters near Tel Aviv. "It is quiet up there, and I am not aware of winds of war in the area."

more............IDF chief: There is currently no threat of war in North | Israel | Jerusalem Post

[Chris]

Report: Lebanon army raises alert along border with Israel
By Jack Khoury, Haaretz Correspondent

The official Lebanese news agency reported on Tuesday that the Lebanese army had declared a state of high alert and deployed forces along the border with Israel. According to the report, the high alert was declared in response to the advancing of Israeli tanks in the Shaba farms area. Reportedly, four Israeli tanks had advanced toward an area called Hassan Kasar, where there is an entrance gate to Lebanon.

The news agency said that the Lebanese army deployed its forces in order to "be prepared to face the Israeli enemy." The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) also responded to the moves and raised its alert level in the area while monitoring the situation from both sides, the news agency said. Furthermore, the news agency went on to report, six Israeli aircraft had entered Lebanese airspace and circled the area.

more.............Report: Lebanon army raises alert along border with Israel - Haaretz - Israel News

[Chris]

IDF chief: New Israel-Hezbollah war unlikely - Haaretz - Israel News

IDF chief: New Israel-Hezbollah war unlikely
By Anshel Pfeffer and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondents, and Reuters

The Israel Defense Forces is closely monitoring the situation along the border with Lebanon though no eruption of hostilities is expected on this front, army chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi said on Tuesday. Ashkenazi addressed the matter during a visit to the IDF's main induction center at Tel Hashomer. Israeli officials have recently expressed apprehension over events in southern Lebanon which suggest that Hezbollah, the Shi'ite militia with whom it fought a war in the summer of 2006, is seeking to provoke another round of conflict.

"At the moment, there is quiet all along the border," Ashkenazi told recruits of the Kfir infantry brigade on Tuesday. "There was an incident which to our understanding was an explosion of a weapons cache belonging to Hezbollah, which is being handled by UNIFIL and the Lebanese government." "we view the event with gravity, but we do not anticipate a disruption of quiet in the area," the IDF chief said. Israeli officials said Monday that they believe Hezbollah will try to escalate the tension on the Lebanon border by organizing civilian demonstrations and protests in the Har Dov area, as it did about a week ago, as part of an effort to launch a popular uprising against Israel.

Israel has warned Beirut through the United Nations that it would be held responsible for any hostile action launched from Lebanese territory. Defense Minister Ehud Barak met on Monday with U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and told him Israel was concerned by the developments on the Lebanon border and various Hezbollah statements and moves.

[Chris]

Tension, Tank Movements and Jet Sorties on Northern Border - News Briefs - Israel National News

Tension, Tank Movements and Jet Sorties on Northern Border
Reported: 20:45 PM - Jul/28/09

(IsraelNN.com) There was tension on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border Tuesday. According to reports in Lebanese media, the Lebanese Army upped its state of alert after unusual Israeli tank movements were spotted. Lebanese sources claimed that four Merkava tanks left their previous opositions and moved towards a new IDF outpost located near the border. At the same time, six IAF fighter jets flew overhead in the skies of South Lebanon.

The tanks reportedly took up observation positions on the Lebanese border near the village of Shuba, opposite Arkoub. Lebanese sources said that the position encroaches on Lebanese territory and that a complaint against Israel has been filed with the United States and United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

[Suzanne]

It sounds to me as though Iran is getting nervous and using Hezbollah to detract Israel's attention away from it. It's not going to work! I strongly believe that Israel will deal with Iran's nuclear reactors soon.

[Chris]

It sounds to me as though Iran is getting nervous and using Hezbollah to detract Israel's attention away from it. It's not going to work! I strongly believe that Israel will deal with Iran's nuclear reactors soon.

Hezbollah, Hamas, and many of the other terrorist groups are simply proxies for the Iranians. The Iranians have their hands deep in the Middle East. This is why many of the Arab countries are worried about Iran. I believe, too, that Israel getting close to making a move. The window of opportunity is rapidly closing.

[open door]

It sounds to me as though Iran is getting nervous and using Hezbollah to detract Israel's attention away from it. It's not going to work! I strongly believe that Israel will deal with Iran's nuclear reactors soon.

I agree. It makes sense that Israel fortify its defenses along its northern borders with Lebanon and Syria, because of Iran's pact with Syria.

[Suzanne]

I agree with both of you. I think Israel is getting ready to take out Iran's nuclear reactors, and it's fortifying its borders with other countries.