File image.
On June 1, leaflets with warning to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were dropped over the occupied part of Lebanon’s Chebaa farms.
The leaflets, which were reportedly dropped by Hezbollah, called on the IDF to end its violations and occupation of Lebanese territory.
Ali Shoeib, a reporter for the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese news outlet Al-Manar, posted a photo on Twitter showing one of the leaflets that fell over Bsatrah farm in Chebaa. According to the reporter, the leaflets were quickly collected by IDF troops.
Click to see full-size image. By Ali Shoeib.
“You are the ones who should be worried … Advice can’t be taken from an enemy like you, you should end your violations and occupation of Lebanese territory… Chebaa farms were and remain Lebanese territory,” the leaflets read.
Tensions have been mounting between the IDF and Hezbollah since the Lebanese group held a military exercise near the frontline on May 21.
The group showcased heavy weapons, including multiple rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles, man-portable air-defense systems and drones, during the exercise. On May 23, the IDF responded by dropping leaflets over southern Lebanon warning people against approaching the frontline.
Later on May 25, Israeli troops downed a small quadcopter drone that was likely launched by Hezbollah after it crossed the frontline. On the same day, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel with a “grand war” during a televised speech.
The IDF launched on May 29 a large-scale two-week-long drill across the country, simulating a potential multi-front war. Emergency instructions in case war breaks out on the front with Hezbollah were distributed to cities and settlements in northern Israel.
On May 31, the Liberation of Palestine – General Command, which allied to Hezbollah, said that five of its fighters were killed in eastern Lebanon in a blast caused by an Israeli strike. Later however, news sources close to Hezbollah said that the blast was the result of an accidental self-detonation.
Despite the recent escalation, a direct confrontation between the IDF and Hezbollah remains unlikely. Tel Aviv understands very well that Hezbollah won’t hesitate to respond to any attack on Lebanese territory.
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