According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, 800 religious Israelis crossed the border into Lebanon on Friday for the first time to visit Rabbi Ashi's tomb. Concerns over border security and sovereignty were raised by the fact that the visit was conducted under Israeli military protection.
Increased Border Tensions
The rabbi's cemetery lies close to the Israeli town of Margaliot, with a portion of it stretching into Lebanese territory, according to Israel Army Radio. There have reportedly been skirmishes with Israeli authorities in the past when hundreds of Israelis tried to visit the monument without official coordination.
Israeli troops stepped in and arrested several tourists who attempted to cross the border into Lebanon. Regarding the occurrence, Lebanese officials have yet to release an official comment.
Israeli Violations Denounced by the Lebanese Army
Despite the ceasefire deal struck in November 2024, the Lebanese Army Command charged Israel of continuing to violate Lebanese sovereignty. The army issued a formal statement on Thursday, warning that Lebanon's stability and regional security are under danger due to Israel's ongoing military incursions, airspace violations, and land occupation.
The statement further said that in addition to their frequent border incursions, Israeli soldiers have been attacking people in the southern and Beqaa districts of Lebanon.
The Lebanese Army is making aggressive efforts to remove explosive munitions, restore roads, and make it easier for displaced people to return to southern Lebanon in cooperation with UNIFIL and the five-nation council in charge of the truce.
The Ceasefire Agreement's Non-Compliance with Israel
On November 26, 2024, Israel and Lebanon reached a ceasefire agreement that called for Israeli soldiers to leave Lebanese territory within 60 days. This deadline was moved until February 18, 2025, however.
Israel has not completely departed despite the deal; instead, it has continued its land occupations, demolitions, and military activities in at least five locations in southern Lebanon.
Concerns over the durability of the ceasefire deal and the possibility of a new war have been raised by these occurrences, which have further increased tensions between the two nations.
