President Donald Trump has responded to the shooting incident in Lebanon involving Israeli forces, according to a report from The Zioneer. The IDF has not yet issued a statement on the matter.
The IDF has yet to issue a statement on the shooting incident in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese army accused Israeli forces of opening fire near its troops in the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya. The incident, which occurred earlier today, comes amid a fragile ceasefire and a pilot withdrawal program. President Trump responded to the report at 18:26 Jerusalem, telling reporters he would examine the Lebanese army's claim, as The Zioneer reported. The content of his response has not been detailed.
The Lebanese army first reported the incident at 15:35 Jerusalem, saying IDF fire near its deployed soldiers in Zawtar al-Gharbiya interfered with the deployment pilot. The army warned that the incident could delay the implementation of the 'Safe Zone' plan, under which the IDF withdraws from three villages. No casualties were reported. The accusation was raised with the military coordination group. By 15:35 Jerusalem, several versions of the report had been published, noting that the area is one Israel had agreed to vacate under the framework agreement with Lebanon.
The incident takes place amid ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. As The Zioneer reported earlier this week, Trump questioned whether the ceasefire holds after previous Israeli fire killed two. He has also called for a full ceasefire on all fronts. The pilot program, involving Lebanese army deployment in areas vacated by Israel, is a key part of the current arrangement.
It remains unclear whether the IDF will issue a formal response or whether the incident will prompt further diplomatic engagement. The Lebanese army has warned that the shooting could delay the pilot program, but no official confirmation of a delay has been given.
7 developments
- DevelopingTrump questions whether Lebanon ceasefire holds after Israeli fire kills two
- DevelopingTrump says he'll 'take a look' at Netanyahu's claim Israel will keep troops in Lebanon
- StrongNetanyahu tells Trump southern Lebanon strikes 'light casualties' so far, expects Hezbollah to hold fire
- DevelopingCommentator: Trump awaiting end of World Cup before addressing Jordan soldier deaths
Source and signal
- Internal intake