Approximately 250 Haredi Jews entered Lebanon to visit the Al-Ibad tomb, a site of significance for both Muslims and Jews, under Israeli army protection. This incursion raises concerns about Lebanese sovereignty as Lebanon demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied hills. Tensions escalated with incidents of violence against Lebanese civilians, further complicating the regional stability amidst ongoing disputes over territorial control and religious sites.
In a provocative move, approximately 250 Haredi Jews, followers of a strict Orthodox Judaism branch, entered Lebanese territory to visit the Al-Ibad tomb, protected by the Israeli army. The site, located near the village of Houla, holds religious significance for both Muslims, who believe it contains the remains of Sheikh Al-Ibad, and Jews, who regard it as the tomb of Rabbi Rav Ashi, the Babylonian Talmud’s first editor. This conflicting perception fuels ongoing disputes over the site’s identity and ownership.
Al-Ibad Hill remains occupied by Israeli forces, even after their withdrawal from southern Lebanese villages under a ceasefire agreement. Lebanon has persistently called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from these heights, which dominate the border and nearby Israeli settlements. Recently, images surfaced on social media revealing the ultra-Orthodox group performing rituals at the tomb, coinciding with the anniversary of the birth and death of Prophet Moses.
Prior to the visit, Israeli army preparations were reportedly undertaken to allow Jewish worshippers at the shrine, which has been treated as a Jewish site since 1972. Visits ceased following the outbreak of war in July 2006, and a delineation between Israeli and Lebanese-controlled areas was established after Israel’s withdrawal in 2000.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun raised the issue of Israeli forces’ presence on Lebanese hills during discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at an Arab summit in Cairo. He emphasized that their presence impedes stability and violates UN Resolution 1701 and the 2024 ceasefire agreement. Guterres expressed concern regarding this situation, stating that it undermines regional stability.
On the ground, tensions escalated as Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on Lebanese citizens, wounding three near Kafr Kila. The Lebanese Army condemned these persistent Israeli violations, declaring that they continue to breach Lebanese sovereignty in multiple facets. To alleviate the situation, the Army is facilitating the return of residents by clearing unexploded ordnance and reopening essential routes while closely monitoring the region in coordination with the ceasefire committee and UN forces.
The recent incursion of Haredi Jews into Lebanese territory, under Israeli protection, has reignited tensions regarding territorial sovereignty and religious significance at the Al-Ibad tomb. These events, coupled with ongoing Israeli military presence on Lebanese hills and associated violence, further complicate the regional stability, necessitating careful monitoring and dialogue between the involved parties to mitigate future conflicts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
