DZWatch Exclusive: The United Nations has confirmed that Israel has constructed a wall that extends beyond the Lebanese border. This development occurs amidst growing Israeli assessments of an impending attack on Hezbollah.
According to Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, the concrete wall erected by the Israeli military has effectively cut off local residents from accessing over 4,000 square meters (approximately one acre) of Lebanese territory. Dujarric relayed information from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which conducted a survey of the area, stating that a portion of another wall under construction also crosses the Blue Line east of Yaroun.
Dujarric emphasized that UNIFIL has informed the Israeli military of its findings and requested the removal of the wall. In a separate statement, UNIFIL asserted that “Israel’s presence on Lebanese territory and its construction activities there constitute a violation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest a potential Israeli military operation against Hezbollah. According to the Yediot Ahronot newspaper, the Israeli army is nearing a limited offensive targeting Hezbollah within Lebanon. The report indicates a series of airstrikes on weapon production facilities throughout Lebanon, particularly in the Bekaa Valley (east) and Beirut (west).
The newspaper alleges that the targeted sites are either built underground or concealed among residential buildings, possessing the capability to convert unguided rockets into precision-guided missiles by modifying their warheads. These reports coincide with increased threats from Israeli officials, leaked to local media, regarding a potential military operation against Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire agreement in effect since November 27, 2024.
Yediot Ahronot further claims that Hezbollah possesses tens of thousands of rockets of various types. Since the ceasefire, the group has reportedly produced thousands of new drones and explosive-laden drones. According to the report, Hezbollah has not yet restored its large staging positions.
