According to local TV reports one Israeli soldier was killed and 3 wounded. No word on casualties from Hezbollah side.
This area has been the scene of sporadic fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army since Israel pulled its forces from south Lebanon in 2000.
Israeli forces bombed several areas on the Lebanese side of the border while Hezbollah fired mortars and rockets.
Witnesses said they counted more than 100 explosions in the area.
It was the deadliest attack since January when an Israeli officer, a French observer and a Hezbollah fighter were killed in clashes.
Israel captured Shebaa Farms from Syria in the 1967 war but it is now claimed by Lebanon with Syria's backing. Most of the farmers of Shebaa are Lebanese.
A demarcation of the borders between Lebanon and Syria has been ordered by the Lebanese government. This will determine whether Shebaa Farms belong to Lebanon or Syria.
In any case it is time for Israel to show the region that it is interested in peaceful coexistence and pull out from the area, regardless whether it belongs to Syria or Lebanon. The occupation is a major destabilizing factor in Lebanon, since it is being used as an excuse against disarming the militia as required under UN resolution 1559.
Lebanon is trying to get its house in order following the pullout of the Syrian troops , but Shebaa continues to be the obstacle.
US Secretary of State Rice, has shown interest in solving the Shebaa area problem, during her visit to Lebanon and has reportedly asked Israel to pull out. It seems the US should apply more pressure to get Israel out.
Update
Israeli warplanes attacked targets on the Lebanese side of the border on Monday shortly after fighting broke out with Hezbollah fighters. According to reports from the area 3 memebrs of Hezbollah were killed. Here are some pictures courtesy of Reuters:
Al Khiam village- Smoke caused by Israeli shelling
Al Khiyam village-155mm shell fired by Israeli forces explodes
Ein-Arab village- Smoke caused by Israeli shelling
Sources: Ya Libnan, Local TV, Agencies
Feedback? We want to hear your thoughts!
