Israeli man climbs into UN post in Lebanon, returns after detention
The civilian was found by peacekeepers near Ras Al-Naqoura and handed to Israeli forces after an initial review suggested mental instability.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
An Israeli civilian crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon on Tuesday by climbing over the gate of a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon post. The incident occurred in the Rosh HaNikra area. UN peacekeepers located the man shortly after the crossing and returned him to Israeli territory.
The Israel Defense Forces scrambled to the Rosh HaNikra crossing after reports of the unauthorized entry. According to an IDF statement, the military handed the individual to the UN force, which then transferred him back to Israel for further processing. Israeli police took custody of the civilian for additional questioning.
The IDF told The Jerusalem Post that an initial review indicated the man was mentally unstable. The military is continuing its investigation into the event. The IDF stated that crossing the border is prohibited and dangerous under current laws.
A UNIFIL spokesperson confirmed the civilian entered the Ras Al-Naqoura post from Israeli territory. The force noted that crossing the Blue Line violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The civilian was returned to the south side of the demarcation line. UNIFIL is investigating the specific circumstances of the entry.
On Tuesday evening, a second incident occurred near the village of Wadi Jilu, southeast of Tyre. Fire was directed at a UNIFIL patrol. The force reported that approximately a dozen rounds were fired toward the soldiers. UNIFIL personnel returned fire, and the shooting stopped after the exchange.
UNIFIL stated that none of its soldiers were injured in the Wadi Jilu incident. The organization asked the Lebanese government to open a swift investigation to identify those responsible. Both the border crossing and the shooting are under review by their respective authorities.
