Equipo Nizkor - UNSC S/2016/624 - Letter from Israel in answer to the Lebanese accusations with regard to violations of Resolution 1701 (2006).

United Nations
Security Council

S/2016/624

Distr.: General
15 July 2016
Original: English

Identical letters dated 15 July 2016 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council

I am writing to you with regard to the letters dated 30 March, 10 May and 23 May 2016, sent by the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.

As with previous such submissions, these letters contain intentionally misleading accusations against Israel with regard to violations of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). As with previous accusations alleged by the Permanent Representative of Lebanon, the factual record in many of the cited instances has been distorted, while other incidents, as described, do not constitute violations of resolution 1701 (2006).

I would also like to specifically clarify that, since the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL) does not include the delineation of the maritime boundary, all claims of violations of so-called maritime boundaries are beyond the scope of the UNIFIL mandate.

The distortions propounded by the government of Lebanon in this regard are not limited to written communications. In a recent statement to the Security Council, Lebanon cited a preposterous number of alleged violations of resolution 1701 (2006) by Israel. This was unsurprising, given their ongoing practice of distorting facts and attempting to portray events as violative of resolution 1701 (2006) when they clearly do not qualify as such.

Please see Israel's detailed response to the claims alleged by Lebanon (see annexes I-III).

As outlined in previous letters that I have sent and in my recent speech in the Security Council open debate on the Middle East, Lebanese violations of resolution 1701 (2006) are daily occurrences, and Hezbollah's armed presence in southern Lebanon goes unchallenged by the Lebanese government. Despite their visibility and frequency, the vast majority of violations are consistently excluded from the Secretariat's reports.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter and its annexes distributed as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Danny Danon
Ambassador
Permanent Representative

Annexes to the identical letters dated 15 July 2016 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council

Annex I: Israel's response to the alleged accusations: February 2016

Date Time Alleged nature of incident Response

3 February 1000-1025 In the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force fired light and medium automatic weapons in the area around the Summaqah post. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

6 February 0940 An Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two Hummer vehicles inspected the technical fence from inside Israeli territory opposite Kafr Killa. One Israel Defense Forces soldier aimed the weapon mounted on the vehicle in the direction of Lebanese territory. The patrol left at 1050 hours. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

10 February 1140 In the Mount Dov area, between the Ramta and Summaqah posts, an Israel Defense Forces force set off two explosive devices. Their explosions were heard on the Lebanese side. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

1250 On the outskirts of the town of Kafr Shuba at Bastrah, near position 34 -4 of the Indian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while herder Wisam Abdul'al was herding livestock an Israel Defense Forces patrol violated the line of withdrawal, proceeding some 181 metres into Lebanese territory, and led some 225 goats into Israeli territory. On 11 February 2016 at 0030 hours, an Israel Defense Forces force returned 134 goats at point B-57 (Aytarun), keeping 91 goats. The Israel Defense Forces patrol did not cross the Blue Line, and therefore there was no violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Furthermore, in this particular case, the shepherd and his flock crossed into Israeli territory, thus violating Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), the Blue Line and Israel's sovereignty. On account of this, an Israel Defense Forces force had to act south of the Blue Line to apprehend the goats and returned them at a later time.
As has been stressed before, the Israel Defense Forces will not accept Lebanese crossings of the Blue Line. The Israel Defense Forces expects that UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces will exert all efforts to prevent such crossings. Despite many warnings by the Israel Defense Forces and calls to UNIFIL to stop the violations of Israel's sovereignty, the Lebanese continue to cross the Blue Line on a regular basis, thus causing friction, with potential for escalation.

11 February 2130-2145 An Israel Defense Forces patrol fired two flares towards the Mount Dov area. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

12 February 0915 At Zabdin Farm, inside the Mount Dov area, an Israeli Merkava tank appeared. Its crew released camouflage smoke around the area. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

1330 On the outskirts of the town of Wazzani, opposite the spot where Bassam and Ja'far Mustafa were herding livestock, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Defender vehicle appeared in Israeli territory. Three soldiers disembarked and launched two percussion grenades and three smoke bombs in the direction of the two herders. The bombs landed inside Lebanese territory without causing injury. The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.

13 February 0830 On the outskirts of the town of Wazzani, opposite the spot where Bassam and Ja'far Mustafa and Yusuf Muhammad were herding livestock, approximately 100 metres from the technical fence, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two Hummer vehicles appeared in Israeli territory. Three soldiers disembarked and launched three smoke bombs in the direction of the herders. The bombs landed inside Lebanese territory without causing injury. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
The Israel Defense Forces instructs its soldiers to avoid any inappropriate behaviour along the contact line in order to prevent unnecessary friction. The Israel Defense Forces is familiar with this incident and has investigated it internally. The soldier who threw the smoke bombs was appropriately disciplined.

15 February 0900 At Zabdin Farm, in the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force uprooted olive and oak trees next to two of its positions, using a D9 bulldozer escorted by three Merkava tanks and two Hummer vehicles. The Israel Defense Forces finished its activities at 1615 hours. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people. The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

1110 From inside Israeli territory opposite Labbunah, an Israel Defense Forces force in the Jall al-Alam position aimed their weapons at a Lebanese Army patrol. Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

1140 From inside Israeli territory opposite Labbunah, an Israel Defense Forces force launched a smoke bomb from its Jall al-Alam position towards the dirt road leading to the aforementioned position alongside a Lebanese Army patrol that was conducting a routine border reconnaissance mission. There were no injuries. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. The smoke bomb landed inside Israeli territory.
It should be mentioned that the smoke bomb was thrown in response to suspicious activity by Lebanese Armed Forces soldiers with the terror organization Hezbollah.

16 February 1030 At Zabdin Farm, inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force continued the work it had begun on 15 February, using three D9 bulldozers escorted by a patrol comprising three Merkava tanks and two Hummer vehicles. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
In the past, the terror organization Hezbollah has taken advantage of similar weak spots to carry out attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

17 February 1030 From inside Israeli territory, near the Jall al-Alam position opposite Labbunah, an Israel Defense Forces patrol launched a camouflage smoke bomb that landed inside Israeli territory while a Lebanese Army patrol was present on the Lebanese side. The smoke caused a soldier to become ill. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

18 February 1430 Inside Israeli territory, opposite Kafr Killa, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising three Hummer vehicles and a Defender vehicle appeared. Twelve soldiers disembarked, three of whom aimed their personal weapons in the direction of passers -by on the Lebanese side. The patrol left at 1500 hours. The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.

24 February 0750-1000 In the Mount Dov area, near the Ruwaysat al-Alam post, several bursts of medium automatic-weapon fire were heard. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

0900 At Zabdin Farm, inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force bulldozed forested land and fortified its position at that location, using a D9 bulldozer and a trench digger, escorted by a patrol comprising a Merkava tank, a personnel carrier, three Defender vehicles and a Hummer vehicle. At 1745 hours, the Israel Defense Forces force finished its activities, and the vehicles and the patrol left in the direction of the Zabdin post. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

1336 An Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Memugan vehicle and four soldiers violated the line of withdrawal in the northern part of the town of Ghajar, towards the Wazzani-Abbasiyah area. It observed Lebanese territory for two minutes before returning in the direction of the town of Ghajar. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line, as the area in question is an Israeli military post that is located in Israeli territory south of the Blue Line.

1910 An Israel Defense Forces force fired a flare over a radar post. In addition, several bursts of medium-weapon fire were heard in the area around the aforementioned post. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

25 February 0930 At Zabdin Farm, in the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force used a D9 bulldozer and a trench digger to bulldoze forested land. Those vehicles were escorted by a patrol comprising a Merkava tank, an armoured personnel carrier, two Defender vehicles and three Hummer vehicles. At 1700 hours, the Israel Defense Forces force finished its activities and left. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

1225 At Sheikh Abbad-Hula, while the Lebanese Army was conducting a patrol, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Hummer vehicle appeared. Four soldiers disembarked, one of whom took photographs and aimed a weapon in the direction of the Lebanese Army patrol. The soldiers also made obscene gestures at Lebanese Army soldiers. The Israel Defense Forces patrol left in the direction of Israeli territory at 1240 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
The Israel Defense Forces instructs its soldiers to avoid inappropriate behaviour along the contact line in order to avoid unnecessary friction. Disciplinary issues will be dealt with in cases where Israel Defense Forces soldiers act against orders or the moral code of the Israel Defense Forces. With that being said, this sort of behaviour does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

26 February 0830-1000 Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force fired light automatic weapons from inside the Zabdin post in the direction of the surrounding area. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

27 February 0930 Inside Israeli territory at Misgav Am, opposite the town of Udaysah, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Defender vehicle and two civilian automobiles appeared. Patrol soldiers raised a camera on a five-metre pole mounted on the Defender vehicle and pointed it in the direction of Lebanese territory. The Israel Defense Forces patrol did not cross the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

2125-2145 An Israel Defense Forces force fired four flares over the radar position inside the Mount Dov area. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

28 February 1630-1745 Several explosions were heard from inside the Mount Dov area. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

1700 Opposite Hasan Gate position 2, at Kafr Shuba, six cows crossed the line of withdrawal from Israeli territory into Lebanese territory. The cows returned to Israeli territory at 1730 hours. The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.

29 February 1100-1600 Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force used four bulldozers to bulldoze dirt and trees on the road at its Zabdin post. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

Annex II: Israel's response to the alleged accusations: March 2016

Date Time Alleged nature of incident Response

1 March 0920 At Zabdin Farm, inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force bulldozed land planted with olive and oak trees, using two D9 bulldozers and a tracked bulldozer escorted by a patrol comprising a Merkava tank, a personnel carrier and a Defender vehicle. The Israel Defense Forces force finished its work at 1630 hours and the patrol and vehicles left in the direction of the Zabdin post. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
In the past, the terror organization Hezbollah has taken advantage of similar weak spots to carry out attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

1445 From inside Israeli territory, opposite the Lebanese Army B'ir Shu'ayb observation point, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two vehicles appeared. Five soldiers disembarked and shouted curses at personnel at the observation point. They left at 1455 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
The Israel Defense Forces instructs its soldiers to avoid inappropriate behaviour along the contact line in order to avoid unnecessary friction. Disciplinary issues will be dealt with in cases where Israel Defense Forces soldiers act against orders or the moral code of the Israel Defense Forces.

1755 Opposite Birkat Ba'tha'il -Kafr Shuba, 30 cows crossed the Blue Line from Israeli territory into Lebanese territory. The cows returned to Israeli territory at 1845 hours. The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.

2 March 1100 From inside Israeli territory, opposite the town of Kafr Killa, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Hummer vehicle, a Defender vehicle and another vehicle appeared. Eight soldiers disembarked to perform maintenance on border fence cameras, and one of them aimed a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the Hummer vehicle in the direction of Lebanese territory. The patrol left at 1145 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

1500-1600 Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force conducted an exercise during which it fired approximately 15 shells at the perimeters of its Fashkul, Zabdin, Ramta and Summaqah posts. The shells were fired in Israeli territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

3 March 1100-1700 Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force used three bulldozers to bulldoze dirt and trees on the road leading to the Zabdin 2 post. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
In the past, the terror organization Hezbollah has taken advantage of similar weak spots to carry out attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

5 March 1130 From inside Israeli territory, opposite the Udaysah checkpoint (TP37), an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two Hummer vehicles and a construction vehicle appeared. It performed maintenance on the technical fence and replaced a sensor device. Patrol personnel also aimed a 12.7 mm machine gun in the direction of Lebanese territory. The patrol left at 1145 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

1320 From inside Israeli territory, opposite the town of Mays al-Jabal, an Israel Defense Forces patrol threw six smoke bombs towards Lebanese territory. At 1340 hours, soldiers moved to point BP31 and threw three smoke bombs towards Lebanese territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
It should be mentioned that the smoke bombs fell in Israeli territory, without crossing the Blue Line. The smoke bombs were thrown in response to the crossing of the Blue Line by Hezbollah operatives.

6 March 0930-1000 Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force fired light and medium automatic weapons and threw smoke bombs at the area around the Ruwaysat al-Alam post. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

7 March 1425 Opposite Sahl al -Khiyam, while civilian Ali Sarhan was herding livestock, an Israel Defense Forces patrol appeared from inside Israeli territory. One of the soldiers fired a weapon into the air in the direction of Lebanese territory. The Israel Defense Forces force then left the area. The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.

8 March 0830 Inside Israeli territory, at the Ruwaysah post opposite the town of Mays al-Jabal, an Israel Defense Forces force installed a two-metre pole on which a surveillance camera was mounted and pointed it in the direction of Lebanese territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line, as the area in question is an Israeli military post that is located in Israeli territory south of the Blue Line.

1030 From inside Israeli territory, opposite Kafr Killa, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Hummer vehicle, two Defender vehicles and a construction vehicle appeared. Some 10 soldiers disembarked to perform maintenance on cameras mounted on the fence while some of them aimed their weapons in the direction of Lebanese territory. The patrol and vehicles left at 1055 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

1100 An Israel Defense Forces force used several military and civilian construction vehicles escorted by a military patrol to widen the road along the technical fence next to the Israeli E452 post, south of Amrah in the area to which Lebanon alleges a claim. The Israel Defense Forces force finished its work at 1730 hours. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

1215 While a herd of goats was grazing near Birkat Ba'tha'il south of Kafr Shuba, an Israel Defense Forces patrol appeared from inside Israeli territory and fired weapons into the air in the direction of Lebanese territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
The Israel Defense Forces force fired into the air in Israeli territory in order to warn a shepherd who was standing on the Blue Line with his flock.
The bullets that were fired did not cross the Blue Line.

1630 Inside the Mount Dov Area, an Israel Defense Forces force fired medium and light weapons in the area around its posts. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

9 March 1030 Near point B90 opposite Kafr Killa meadow, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Hummer vehicle, a Defender vehicle and 10 soldiers appeared. The soldiers threw five smoke bombs into Lebanese territory and assumed combat positions, pointing their weapons at Lebanese territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. It should be mentioned that the smoke bombs were thrown in Israeli territory, without crossing the Blue Line. The smoke bombs were thrown in response to suspicious activity by the terror organization Hezbollah.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

1250 An Israel Defense Forces force used several military and civilian construction vehicles escorted by a patrol to continue the work that it had begun on 8 March of widening the road along the technical fence next to the Israeli E452 post, south of Amrah, in the area to which Lebanon alleges a claim. The Israel Defense Forces force finished its work at 1730 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

10 March 0800 Opposite the town of Sardah, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two Defender vehicles, a Hummer vehicle, a bulldozer and eight soldiers appeared. The bulldozer proceeded to widen the road along the technical fence, while members of the patrol aimed their weapons in the direction of Lebanese territory. The patrol left at 1300 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

1000 An Israel Defense Forces force used several military and civilian construction vehicles escorted by an Israel Defense Forces patrol to continue the work that it had begun on 8 March of widening the road along the technical fence next to the Israeli E452 post, south of Amrah, in the area to which Lebanon alleges a claim. The Israel Defense Forces force finished its work at 1750 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

1030 Opposite the town of Ayta al-Sha'b, at the Lebanese Army's Hadab post, an Israel Defense Forces patrol consisting of three vehicles, a Defender vehicle, approximately 26 soldiers and two dogs appeared. Patrol personnel aimed their weapons in the direction of the Lebanese Army post, and one of the soldiers threw a smoke bomb that landed Israeli territory. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

1200-1405 Opposite the town of Ayta al-Sha'b, at the Rahib Hill post, an Israel Defense Forces force installed a camera on a previously existing metal tower and pointed it in the direction of Lebanese territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line, as the area in question is an Israeli military post that is located in Israeli territory south of the Blue Line.

11 March 0900 Inside the town of Ghajar, opposite the Lebanese Army Wazzani Hill post, an Israel Defense Forces Humvee vehicle appeared with three soldiers inside. The soldiers pointed a camera mounted on a pole inside the vehicle towards Lebanese territory. The vehicle left at 0805 hours on 13 March. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line, as the area in question is an Israeli military post that is located in Israeli territory south of the Blue Line.

1400 From inside Israeli territory, opposite Kafr Killa, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two Humvee vehicles and a Defender vehicle appeared. Nine soldiers disembarked in order to inspect the technical fence. They also aimed their weapons and a 12.7 mm machine gun in the direction of Lebanese territory. They left at 1415 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

13 March 1215 Inside Israeli territory, opposite Labbunah, in the area around point B3, Israel Defense Forces soldiers aimed their personal weapons in the direction of Lebanese Army soldiers as they were inspecting the area around certain points where observation towers will be installed. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

15 March 0150-0240 Opposite Udaysah (point TP37), an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising eight soldiers, a bulldozer and a light vehicle appeared and entered the area to which Lebanon alleges a claim. The bulldozer removed some barriers and brush. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
In the past, the terror organization Hezbollah has taken advantage of similar weak spots to carry out attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

1140 Opposite Udaysah (point TP37), an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Defender vehicle appeared. Four soldiers disembarked and performed maintenance on the technical fence. The patrol left at 1155 hours. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

1700-1710 Opposite Udaysah (point TP37), while seven Lebanese workers were doing work in the area, an Israel Defense Forces patrol appeared and the soldiers aimed their weapons towards the workers. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

2250 Opposite Udaysah (point TP37), an Israel Defense Forces force fired two flares from inside Israeli territory over the area to which Lebanon alleges a claim. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

21 March 0930 Inside Israeli territory opposite Udaysah (point TP37), an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a winch, a crane, a bulldozer, two Hummer vehicles and two trucks appeared and set up 12 cement blocks in a T configuration near the technical fence. During the work, patrol personnel aimed a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the Hummer vehicle in the direction of Lebanese territory. The patrol left at 1705 hours, except for a construction vehicle equipped with cameras that remained at the site and photographed Lebanese territory. Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.
This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line, as the area in question is an Israeli military post that is located in Israeli territory south of the Blue Line.

22 March 1440 Inside Israeli territory, opposite the town of Rumaysh, near the Israeli Khallat Budiyah 1 post, a bulldozer crossed the technical fence and smoothed out the dirt road between points B38 and B39, without violating the Blue Line. The work ended at 1600 hours, and the patrol left. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
In the past, the terror organization Hezbollah has taken advantage of similar weak spots to carry out attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

23 March 1620 At the outskirts of Kafr Shuba, an Israel Defense Forces foot patrol violated the line of withdrawal, crossing some 30 metres into Lebanese territory, and tried unsuccessfully to abduct herder Isma'il Zahrah and a herd of goats. The patrol left in the direction of the Mount Dov area at 1625 hours. The Israel Defense Forces soldiers did not cross the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

29 March 0945 From inside Israeli territory opposite Labbunah, Israel Defense Forces soldiers aimed automatic weapons in the direction of Lebanese Army patrol personnel. Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

30 March 2220-2245 Several explosions were heard from inside the Mount Dov area. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

Annex III: Israel's response to the alleged accusations: April 2016

Date Time Alleged nature of incident Response

6 April 0855 Opposite the town of Blida near point BP28, as an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising four vehicles was passing, its soldiers threw a smoke bomb from opposite the above-mentioned point. The smoke bomb landed inside Israeli territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

9 April 2320-2330 Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force fired two flares over an Israel Defense Forces radar position. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

10 April 2315-2325 Three explosions were heard from inside the Mount Dov area. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

16 April 0242 From inside Israeli territory, near the Israel Defense Forces position opposite the town of Ramiya, two Israel Defense Forces Humvee vehicles approached. The soldiers deliberately directed searchlights 20 metres into Lebanese territory for seven minutes. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

17 April 0225 Inside Israeli territory, as an Israel Defense Forces Humvee vehicle was moving from its position in Birkat Risha to its position north of the Zar'it base, the soldiers deliberately directed a searchlight 20 metres into Lebanese territory for 12 minutes. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

23 April 1510 An Israel Defense Forces Hummer vehicle mounted with surveillance cameras appeared near the town of Ghajar and an emplacement opposite the Lebanese Army's Tallat al-Wazzani position. The vehicle pointed a camera at Lebanese territory. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

25 April 1320 From inside Israeli territory at point TP36 opposite the town of Udaysah, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Hummer vehicle and two Defender vehicles approached, and15 soldiers disembarked, carrying maps. They photographed Lebanese territory and the Hummer vehicle pointed a 12.7 mm machine gun at Lebanese territory. The vehicles and soldiers left at 1350 hours. There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people. The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.

26 April 1000 From inside Israeli territory, at the Ruwaysah position opposite the village of Mays al-Jabal, an Israel Defense Forces force stationed a Raccoon Stalker vehicle with its surveillance camera pointed at Lebanese territory. The vehicle left at 1020 hours on 28 April. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people.
The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.

27 April 0900 Opposite the town of Mays al-Jabal, some 23 Israel Defense Forces soldiers and a dog crossed the technical fence opposite point B64. They patrolled the area between that point and point B65. They then violated the Blue Line at point B64 by some 10 metres for five minutes, covered by a Merkava tank stationed inside Israeli territory. At 1110 hours, the soldiers threw two smoke bombs opposite point B64. The smoke bombs landed between the technical fence and the Blue Line. They left the area opposite point B64 at 1115 hours. This was a standard Israel Defense Forces activity that took place in the vicinity of Rakefet. We would like to emphasize that, contrary to the Lebanese claim, the blue Line was not crossed by Israel Defense Forces soldiers.
Therefore, this incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
As for the Lebanese claims regarding the crossing of the technical fence, it should be emphasized that crossing the technical fence at the above-mentioned points does not qualify as a violation of the Blue Line. Israel reserves its right to operate in these locations. This right was also recognized by UNIFIL.

1345 At the outskirts of the town of Shab'a in the Shahl area, opposite observation point OP2 of the Indian contingent of UNIFIL, an Israel Defense Forces foot patrol tried unsuccessfully to abduct herder Mahir Hamdan, who fled with his livestock in the direction of the town of Shab'a. There was no attempt by the Israel Defense Forces to kidnap the herder. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.

15Jul16

Letter from Israel in answer to the Lebanese accusations with regard to violations of UN SC Resolution 1701 (2006)

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Date	Time	Alleged nature of incident	Response
3 February	1000-1025	In the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force fired light and medium automatic weapons in the area around the Summaqah post.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
6 February	0940	An Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two Hummer vehicles inspected the technical fence from inside Israeli territory opposite Kafr Killa. One Israel Defense Forces soldier aimed the weapon mounted on the vehicle in the direction of Lebanese territory. The patrol left at 1050 hours.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.
10 February	1140	In the Mount Dov area, between the Ramta and Summaqah posts, an Israel Defense Forces force set off two explosive devices. Their explosions were heard on the Lebanese side.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
	1250	On the outskirts of the town of Kafr Shuba at Bastrah, near position 34 -4 of the Indian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while herder Wisam Abdul'al was herding livestock an Israel Defense Forces patrol violated the line of withdrawal, proceeding some 181 metres into Lebanese territory, and led some 225 goats into Israeli territory. On 11 February 2016 at 0030 hours, an Israel Defense Forces force returned 134 goats at point B-57 (Aytarun), keeping 91 goats.	The Israel Defense Forces patrol did not cross the Blue Line, and therefore there was no violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. Furthermore, in this particular case, the shepherd and his flock crossed into Israeli territory, thus violating Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), the Blue Line and Israel's sovereignty. On account of this, an Israel Defense Forces force had to act south of the Blue Line to apprehend the goats and returned them at a later time. As has been stressed before, the Israel Defense Forces will not accept Lebanese crossings of the Blue Line. The Israel Defense Forces expects that UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces will exert all efforts to prevent such crossings. Despite many warnings by the Israel Defense Forces and calls to UNIFIL to stop the violations of Israel's sovereignty, the Lebanese continue to cross the Blue Line on a regular basis, thus causing friction, with potential for escalation.
11 February	2130-2145	An Israel Defense Forces patrol fired two flares towards the Mount Dov area.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
12 February	0915	At Zabdin Farm, inside the Mount Dov area, an Israeli Merkava tank appeared. Its crew released camouflage smoke around the area.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
	1330	On the outskirts of the town of Wazzani, opposite the spot where Bassam and Ja'far Mustafa were herding livestock, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Defender vehicle appeared in Israeli territory. Three soldiers disembarked and launched two percussion grenades and three smoke bombs in the direction of the two herders. The bombs landed inside Lebanese territory without causing injury.	The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.
13 February	0830	On the outskirts of the town of Wazzani, opposite the spot where Bassam and Ja'far Mustafa and Yusuf Muhammad were herding livestock, approximately 100 metres from the technical fence, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising two Hummer vehicles appeared in Israeli territory. Three soldiers disembarked and launched three smoke bombs in the direction of the herders. The bombs landed inside Lebanese territory without causing injury.	There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. The Israel Defense Forces instructs its soldiers to avoid any inappropriate behaviour along the contact line in order to prevent unnecessary friction. The Israel Defense Forces is familiar with this incident and has investigated it internally. The soldier who threw the smoke bombs was appropriately disciplined.
15 February	0900	At Zabdin Farm, in the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force uprooted olive and oak trees next to two of its positions, using a D9 bulldozer escorted by three Merkava tanks and two Hummer vehicles. The Israel Defense Forces finished its activities at 1615 hours.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people. The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.
	1110	From inside Israeli territory opposite Labbunah, an Israel Defense Forces force in the Jall al-Alam position aimed their weapons at a Lebanese Army patrol.	Israel Defense Forces soldiers position their weapons in the direction from which they identify a threat; the soldiers did not actively point their weapons with the intention to shoot.
	1140	From inside Israeli territory opposite Labbunah, an Israel Defense Forces force launched a smoke bomb from its Jall al-Alam position towards the dirt road leading to the aforementioned position alongside a Lebanese Army patrol that was conducting a routine border reconnaissance mission. There were no injuries.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. The smoke bomb landed inside Israeli territory. It should be mentioned that the smoke bomb was thrown in response to suspicious activity by Lebanese Armed Forces soldiers with the terror organization Hezbollah.
16 February	1030	At Zabdin Farm, inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force continued the work it had begun on 15 February, using three D9 bulldozers escorted by a patrol comprising three Merkava tanks and two Hummer vehicles.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people. In the past, the terror organization Hezbollah has taken advantage of similar weak spots to carry out attacks. The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.
17 February	1030	From inside Israeli territory, near the Jall al-Alam position opposite Labbunah, an Israel Defense Forces patrol launched a camouflage smoke bomb that landed inside Israeli territory while a Lebanese Army patrol was present on the Lebanese side. The smoke caused a soldier to become ill.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
18 February	1430	Inside Israeli territory, opposite Kafr Killa, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising three Hummer vehicles and a Defender vehicle appeared. Twelve soldiers disembarked, three of whom aimed their personal weapons in the direction of passers -by on the Lebanese side. The patrol left at 1500 hours.	The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.
24 February	0750-1000	In the Mount Dov area, near the Ruwaysat al-Alam post, several bursts of medium automatic-weapon fire were heard.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
	0900	At Zabdin Farm, inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force bulldozed forested land and fortified its position at that location, using a D9 bulldozer and a trench digger, escorted by a patrol comprising a Merkava tank, a personnel carrier, three Defender vehicles and a Hummer vehicle. At 1745 hours, the Israel Defense Forces force finished its activities, and the vehicles and the patrol left in the direction of the Zabdin post.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people. The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.
	1336	An Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Memugan vehicle and four soldiers violated the line of withdrawal in the northern part of the town of Ghajar, towards the Wazzani-Abbasiyah area. It observed Lebanese territory for two minutes before returning in the direction of the town of Ghajar.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line, as the area in question is an Israeli military post that is located in Israeli territory south of the Blue Line.
	1910	An Israel Defense Forces force fired a flare over a radar post. In addition, several bursts of medium-weapon fire were heard in the area around the aforementioned post.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
25 February	0930	At Zabdin Farm, in the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force used a D9 bulldozer and a trench digger to bulldoze forested land. Those vehicles were escorted by a patrol comprising a Merkava tank, an armoured personnel carrier, two Defender vehicles and three Hummer vehicles. At 1700 hours, the Israel Defense Forces force finished its activities and left.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. With that being said, it should be emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces will fulfil its responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will maintain the safety of its people. The Israel Defense Forces will take all necessary action in order to preserve the state of calm in the area.
	1225	At Sheikh Abbad-Hula, while the Lebanese Army was conducting a patrol, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Hummer vehicle appeared. Four soldiers disembarked, one of whom took photographs and aimed a weapon in the direction of the Lebanese Army patrol. The soldiers also made obscene gestures at Lebanese Army soldiers. The Israel Defense Forces patrol left in the direction of Israeli territory at 1240 hours.	There was no crossing of the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line. The Israel Defense Forces instructs its soldiers to avoid inappropriate behaviour along the contact line in order to avoid unnecessary friction. Disciplinary issues will be dealt with in cases where Israel Defense Forces soldiers act against orders or the moral code of the Israel Defense Forces. With that being said, this sort of behaviour does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
26 February	0830-1000	Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force fired light automatic weapons from inside the Zabdin post in the direction of the surrounding area.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
27 February	0930	Inside Israeli territory at Misgav Am, opposite the town of Udaysah, an Israel Defense Forces patrol comprising a Defender vehicle and two civilian automobiles appeared. Patrol soldiers raised a camera on a five-metre pole mounted on the Defender vehicle and pointed it in the direction of Lebanese territory.	The Israel Defense Forces patrol did not cross the Blue Line. This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
	2125-2145	An Israel Defense Forces force fired four flares over the radar position inside the Mount Dov area.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
28 February	1630-1745	Several explosions were heard from inside the Mount Dov area.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.
	1700	Opposite Hasan Gate position 2, at Kafr Shuba, six cows crossed the line of withdrawal from Israeli territory into Lebanese territory. The cows returned to Israeli territory at 1730 hours.	The Israel Defense Forces is not familiar with this incident. We ask to receive more details on the matter in order to investigate it fully.
29 February	1100-1600	Inside the Mount Dov area, an Israel Defense Forces force used four bulldozers to bulldoze dirt and trees on the road at its Zabdin post.	This incident does not qualify as a violation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) or the Blue Line.