For the past few days, there has been friction between Israeli Forces and Lebanese protesters on the Lebanese border in the Mount Dov area. The Israel Defense Forces, which is apparently carrying out border maintenance construction work in the area, put up a temporary fence, but the Lebanese protesters removed it. At the same time, a photo from the country's television networks shows a Lebanese soldier aiming an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) at Israeli workers fixing the fence, as well as other IDF targets. While the Lebanese soldier was most definitely not intending to use the lethal weapon, the image was used as part of a broader anti-Israeli propaganda campaign.
It is important to note that this is a scenario that often happens when there is construction work at the border, and is not in any way unusual. The way the Israeli security forces conclude that the RPG being pointed at Israel is for ‘show’ lies in the way the soldier is positioned. For example, the footage from the scene shows that the Lebanese machine gunners and RPG gunners are not hiding behind a wall or trench, and photographers can be seen crossing their line of fire.
#Israel. #Lebanon. Lebanese soldiers aimed machine guns and #RPGs at Israeli forces on the border.
— Donato Yaakov Secchi (@doyaksec) June 10, 2023
This is a very #unusual incident. It could intensify already existing #tensions. pic.twitter.com/NEFPdRi1qy
The background to the events is that in recent weeks the IDF has been carrying out work to improve the barrier and the fence in Mount Dov and also conducting a large-scale military drill. The Lebanese locals are not happy with the work being done. In addition, this is an area that is inside the blue line according to the UN, where Israeli and Lebanese troops can coordinate to operate within. On Sunday morning, several protesters tried to come and sabotage the fence again, and the IDF scattered them with gas grenades.
The IDF spokesperson stated afterward: "A disturbance developed a short time ago in the Mount Dov area on the Lebanese border, during which rioters tried to destroy the barrier and threw stones at the IDF force that was operating there. The forces responded with measures to disperse the demonstrations. The IDF will not allow any attempt to violate the sovereignty of the State of Israel."
Tensions escalated at the occupied #Palestine-#Lebanon border yesterday as Lebanese soldiers were heavily deployed following #Israeli troops' tear gas attack on protesting Lebanese farmers, who were demonstrating against the destruction of their lands by 'Israel'. pic.twitter.com/mov8MxBFjE
— Journalist Steven Sahiounie (@StevenSahiouni) June 10, 2023
The IDF exercise which was taking place in Israel’s northern district has come to an end. In the last two weeks, the IDF has been training its forces, regular and reserve, from the General Headquarters to the operational units, from all commands, arms, and wings. The exercise simulated dealing with the challenges of the operational arena as well as in multiple arenas at the same time. Throughout the exercise, all the main force deployment headquarters practiced the new drills meant to stave off a multi-directional attack.
