Israeli wall construction breaches Lebanese territory: UNIFIL

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday confirmed that sections of concrete barriers recently erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into Lebanese territory, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty, reported Xinhua.

According to a UNIFIL statement, peacekeepers conducted a geospatial survey in October of a concrete T-wall installed by the IDF southwest of the southern Lebanese village of Yaroun.

The survey found that the barrier extended beyond the Blue Line, cutting off more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land from local residents.

UNIFIL said it had informed the IDF of the findings and requested the removal of the wall.

In November, peacekeepers observed further T-wall construction in the same area. A subsequent survey confirmed that a section of the new structure also crossed the Blue Line. UNIFIL said it will formally notify the IDF of the latest violation.

"Israeli presence and construction in Lebanese territory are violations of Security Council Resolution 1701 and of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," UNIFIL said, reiterating its call on the IDF to fully respect the Blue Line and withdraw from all areas north of it.