IDF, LAF soldiers exchange gunfire on Lebanon border
By YAAKOV KATZ AND JPOST.COM STAFF
08/01/2011 09:05
IDF says troops were patrolling border when Lebanese soldier opened fire on them; no Israeli soldiers wounded; PM: Soldiers actions justified.
Five years after the Second Lebanon War broke out, Lebanese soldiers and IDF troops exchanged gunfire along the border on Monday.
IDF troops were operating along the border near the Hatzbani River when a Lebanese soldier opened fire at them. Israel returned fire at the Lebanese soldier. No IDF soldiers were injured in the incident. Lebanese media reported that one Lebanese soldier was injured from gunfire.
The IDF reported the incident to the UNIFIL force stationed in Lebanon along the border, stating that Israel was not interested in an escalation of violence.
The army added that they believed the incident was contained and it did not appear that a larger operation would follow.
Lebanese news website Naharnet reported that the LAF opened fire when IDF soldiers crossed over to the Lebanese side of the border. The IDF emphasized that they were operating on the Israeli side of the border.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said that the soldiers "behaved like they were supposed to. They are determined to defend themselves and the border."
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Monday praised the Lebanese Armed Forces for confronting Israel in an the border clash.
Suleiman was speaking at a celebration marking Lebanon's Army Day.
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