The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, announced following an independent technical investigation, that a third tunnel that was uncovered by Israel’s Defense Forces did indeed cross the Lebanese border into the Jewish State “in violation of (U.N. Security Council) resolution 1701.”
UNIFIL said it informed the Lebanese authorities about the violation and has requested urgent follow-up actions in accordance with the responsibilities of the Government of Lebanon, pursuant to resolution 1701 – that brought about a long-lasting ceasefire – since the 14th of August 2006 – between Israel and the Lebanese Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
According to an official UNIFIL statement, “Overall, of the six tunnels reported by the IDF until now, UNIFIL has independently confirmed the existence of five tunnels close to the Blue Line in northern Israel. Of these, three tunnels have been found to be crossing the Blue Line,” which refers to a demarcation of the less than 80 kilometers-long Lebanese-Israeli border, under U.N. Security Council Resolution 425.
In response to its finding, UNIFIL said it “remains engaged with the parties to ensure that all activities in sensitive areas are duly coordinated, the Blue Line is fully respected by both sides, and to help the parties uphold their respective obligations towards the cessation of hostilities under resolution 1701.”