Approximately 250 Haredi Jews visited the Al-Ibad tomb in Lebanon, protected by the Israeli army. This site holds significance for both Muslims and Jews, leading to disputes over ownership. The Lebanese government remains concerned about Israeli military presence and violations, while the situation continues to be monitored by local authorities and international bodies.
In a notable incident that challenges Lebanese sovereignty, approximately 250 Haredi Jews entered Lebanon to visit the revered Al-Ibad tomb, supported by the Israeli army, which categorized the visit as a religious pilgrimage. This tomb holds significance for both Muslims and Jews due to differing historical narratives about the individuals entombed there.
The Al-Ibad tomb is believed by Muslims to house the remains of Sheikh Al-Ibad, a hermit from 500 years ago, while Jews view it as the resting place of Rabbi Rav Ashi, who lived during the fifth century and was instrumental in editing the Babylonian Talmud. This divergence in beliefs has led to ongoing disputes concerning the site’s ownership and identity.
The Al-Ibad Hill is one of several territories occupied by Israeli forces post their withdrawal from Lebanese border villages as outlined in the ceasefire agreement. Lebanon has demanded the total withdrawal of Israeli troops, which currently overlook Lebanese border regions and adjacent settlements. Media reports indicated that the Israeli army had prepared for the Jewish pilgrimage following restoration work performed by extremist groups.
This site has been treated as a Jewish shrine by Israel since 1972, with visits facilitated by the army commencing during that period. Jewish pilgrimages were halted after the 2006 war, which underscored the area’s fractured status following Israel’s 2000 withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Arab summit in Cairo, urging attention to the presence of Israeli forces in various heights within Lebanese territory. He emphasized that this situation impedes stability and contravenes UN Resolution 1701, hindering the efforts set by the ceasefire agreement.
In response, Guterres expressed surprise over the ongoing Israeli military presence in southern regions, noting it counters stability efforts. Aoun also consulted with parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri and Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Michel Menassa regarding military deployments in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli actions reportedly wounded three civilians near Kafr Kila, sparking condemnation from the Lebanese Army, which criticized continued violations of sovereignty.
The Lebanese Army has accused Israeli forces of consistently infringing on Lebanon’s sovereignty by land, sea, and air, citing operations that jeopardize citizens’ safety. They reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating the return of residents to southern areas by clearing unexploded ordnance and reopening roads, while closely monitoring the situation with the UN Interim Force.
The recent incursion of Haredi Jews into Lebanese territory under Israeli army protection has ignited tensions surrounding sovereignty issues in the region. The conflicting historical significance of the Al-Ibad tomb continues to fuel disputes between the two communities. Ongoing Israeli military presence and actions in southern Lebanon have raised concerns among Lebanese authorities, with calls for stability and the adherence to international agreements. The situation remains monitored, and the Lebanese Army is taking necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and assist affected citizens.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
