IDF: Two suspects apparently entered Israel from Lebanon; terror not suspected
Military fires flares in the air, block roads; residents nearby temporarily warned to stay in their homes as a precaution
Judah Ari Gross is The Times of Israel's religions and Diaspora affairs correspondent.
Israeli security forces launched large-scale searches along the Lebanese border after two people apparently illegally crossed into Israel late Sunday night, the military said.
The Israel Defense Forces said the border breach did not appear to be terror-related.
According to the IDF, troops along the frontier “spotted the tracks of two people near the security fence on the Lebanon border.”
Flares were fired into the air and large numbers of troops were dispatched to the scene, along with helicopters, according to the military and residents of the area. Several roadblocks were also set up in the area.
As a precaution, residents of nearby communities were told to remain in their homes. This restriction was lifted several hours later.
“The incident will be investigated,” the IDF said.
While there have been cases of members of the Hezbollah terror group attempting to infiltrate into Israel from southern Lebanon, over the years the border has also seen criminal smuggling operations and attempts by migrants to illegally cross into Israel to find work due to the deteriorating economic conditions in Lebanon.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.