Lebanese Army Statement on Haredi Entry into Lebanese Territory to Perform Religious Rituals at Sheikh al-Abad Hill – Watch the Video

Violation of Lebanese Borders

In response to the incident, the Lebanese Army issued a statement condemning the entry of Israelis into Lebanese territory, describing it as a “clear violation of national sovereignty.” The statement further noted that this act was part of “ongoing Israeli violations,” which contradict international resolutions, particularly UN Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement. The army confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Tripartite Committee overseeing the ceasefire and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The Hill’s Location and Recent Developments

The alleged tomb of Rabbi Ashi is located on Sheikh al-Abad Hill in Lebanon, a site of religious significance to Muslims, as it houses the remains of Sheikh al-Abad, after whom the hill is named. The Israeli army had previously prevented religious Jews from entering the area in February for security reasons, but later allowed them to enter. Last week, Jewish worshippers carried out restoration work on the shrine and insisted on entering to perform prayers, which led to confrontations with Israeli military forces. Some worshippers threw stones, prompting the police to intervene and arrest several individuals, according to Israeli media reports.

Historical Background of the Dispute

The dispute over this site dates back to 1972 when religious Jewish groups began visiting it under the protection of the Israeli army, which considered it a Jewish shrine. In 2000, following Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, an agreement was reached to divide the shrine into two parts under the supervision of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Terje Rød-Larsen. After the 2006 Lebanon War, Jewish visits to the site ceased, and the shrine was neglected until it was recently revived with this visit.