Lebanese Forces Open Fire on Israeli Warplanes

Israeli Warplanes a Constant Presence in Southern Lebanon

According to the Lebanese Army, anti-aircraft units opened fire on raiding Israeli warplanes, in southern and central Lebanon. The planes are almost a constant presence of Lebanese airspace.

This is not the first time that Lebanese troops have opened fire on the invading warplanes, which Israel insists are there for “reconnaissance” purposes. But the timing suggests tensions are rising at an alarming rate.

Last week, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri expressed public concern about the number of direct military threats being made by Israeli officials, and said that his government was ready to “stand united” with Hezbollah to oppose any Israeli invasion.

Late last month Israeli Minister Yossi Peled said he believed that the next war with Lebanon was only “a matter of time,” giving the overflights a new sense of urgency. Israel last invaded Lebanon in 2006, a month-long campaign which left over 1,100 Lebanese civilians dead.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.