The Lebanese government is preparing to lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations over allegations that Israel is constructing a wall in occupied territory along the southern border. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) reported on Friday that the Israeli army had built walls near the UN-demarcated Blue Line in south Lebanon. While Israel has denied these claims, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun directed officials on Sunday to submit an urgent complaint to the UN Security Council, accusing Israel of building a concrete wall that encroaches on Lebanese territory beyond the Blue Line.
Unifil’s recent investigations revealed that a concrete T-wall erected by the Israeli army southwest of Yaroun crossed the Blue Line, making over 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land inaccessible to its citizens. An Israeli military spokesperson countered these allegations, asserting that the wall does not cross the Blue Line and that its construction began in 2022 as part of measures to strengthen the northern border following the Gaza conflict.
Tensions remain high nearly a year after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli forces continuing near-daily bombardments in southern Lebanon and occupying at least five areas. Since November 27, 2024, over 300 people, including more than 100 civilians, have been killed in Israeli strikes. The situation underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the challenges of maintaining peace along the contested border.