Click to see full-size image. By Ali Shoeib.
On July 20, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) started a fire along the separation line with Lebanon, causing dozens of old mines planted there to explode.
Ali Shoeib, a correspondent for the Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar channel, said that Israeli troops started the fire in the morning near the Lebanese town of Blida. According to the journalist, the fire spread into farmlands along the separation line. More than 25 anti-tank mines and 50 anti-personnel mines blew up.
The large fire went on well into the night and even reached a outpost of the IDF in the Israeli-occupied Malkiya area, according to Shoeib.
Click to see full-size image. By Ali Shoeib.
The IDF likely started the fire to remove any mines or improvised explosive devices which were planted by Hezbollah as well as to burn down the vegetation along the separation line which provided a cover for the group’s fighters.
The fire was the latest in a series of incidents that escalated tensions along the separation line between Israel and Lebanon.
The tensions began early in June when Hezbollah fighters set up two tents several dozen meters into the Shebaa Farms, which were occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War and later effectively annexed along with the Syrian Golan Heights and the town of Ghajar. The Lebanese government says the area belongs to Lebanon.
Earlier this month, the IDF detonated a non-lethal explosive charge after alleged members of Hezbollah approached the fence along the separation line. Moreover, Lebanese activists climbed an Israeli military tower on the border and took down surveillance equipment. In two other incidents, Israel troops fired warning shots at activists and journalists near the line.
Tensions along the separation line could eventually lead to a confrontation. During a recent speech, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel with war if it attempts to remove the tent set up by his group.
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“the idf likely started the fire” in preparation for an offensive – there, fixed it for you.