Israel has accused Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia based in southern Lebanon, of setting up more than 27 military outposts along the countries’ border in violation of international agreements. These outposts, which have emerged over the past year, are located along the Blue Line boundary established by the United Nations (UN) after the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. Under a UN Security Council resolution, armed Hezbollah fighters are prohibited from entering the border area, with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stationed there to ensure compliance.
Israeli military officials claim that Hezbollah fighters, who previously disguised themselves as civilians, now openly wear uniforms and carry weapons near the border. There have been reports of an incident where a Hezbollah operative crossed 60 kilometers into Israel and detonated a bomb, injuring a civilian. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, wrote a letter to the Security Council stating that Hezbollah’s construction of outposts has led to increased friction and incidents initiated by the group, impeding UNIFIL’s ability to carry out its core missions.
However, Israel is also in violation of the UN resolution, as Israeli aircraft have flown over the Blue Line on numerous occasions, and the country occupies the northern part of Ghajar, a town that straddles the border. Hezbollah recently claimed to have shot down an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon, further escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The mounting tensions between Israel and Iran reflect broader geopolitical dynamics, including Iran’s strengthening position through diplomatic alliances with Russia and the restoration of ties with Saudi Arabia. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces challenges amid protests against judiciary reforms and recent intense clashes in the West Bank. The close proximity of Hezbollah fighters and installations to the Israeli border underscores the heightened concerns. UNIFIL acknowledges the cause for disquiet and emphasizes the importance of freedom of movement for peacekeepers along the Blue Line.
Israel’s concerns about Iranian activities extend beyond Lebanon, as demonstrated by its recent military raid in a refugee camp in Jenin in the West Bank. The raid aimed to destroy weapons-production sites allegedly controlled by Iran-funded terrorists. With Hezbollah’s significant arsenal of rockets and missiles and the return of personnel who fought in Syria, the group has evolved from a guerrilla outfit to a fully-fledged military organization. Israeli officials assert that Hezbollah’s power is growing as Lebanon grapples with an unprecedented economic and financial crisis, while the Lebanese Armed Forces lack the strength to effectively police the group.