Lebanese, Israeli Forces Clash at New Front Line

Lebanese troops and Israel’s occupation forces exchanged tank and machine-gun fire for 85 minutes today in their first clash at the new Israeli front line in south Lebanon, the Lebanese Army command announced.

A statement by the command said an Israeli foot patrol crossed the defense line north of the village of Kawthariet as-Sayyad and “tried to advance toward the liberated areas. The Army fired warning shots in the air and the patrol retreated.”

A few minutes later, according to the statement, “an armored Israeli unit advanced toward the Army post and one tank began firing. The Lebanese Army returned fire with rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns.”

The Lebanese said they had no reports of casualties on either side.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli Army on the reported clash.

Kawthariet as-Sayyad is on the new Israeli defense line in south Lebanon, about 25 miles north of the Israeli border.

It was the first clash between the two armies since Lebanese regulars deployed in the port city of Sidon and the surrounding area on Feb. 16, when Israel completed its pullback to the new lines in south Lebanon.

A Lebanese Army spokesman, who asked not to be named, said there were no injuries to Lebanese soldiers. “I don’t think there were any Israelis hurt either,” he added.

An Israeli military source in Tel Aviv, questioned about the incident, said he had no information on it.