Naharnet

Israel on Alert Along Lebanon Border after al-Laqqis Murder

The Israeli army went on alert on the border with southern Lebanon on Thursday over fears that Hizbullah could retaliate over the assassination of a top official which it blamed on the Jewish state.

The state-run National News Agency said Israeli troops carried out patrols along the border and monitored the Lebanese side.

Israeli drones also overflew the areas of Shebaa Farms, al-Abbasiyeh and Ghajar, it said.

Also on Lebanon's side of the border, U.N. peacekeepers intensified their patrols along the U.N.-drawn Blue Line.

Hajj Hassan Hollo al-Laqqis has been shot repeatedly with a silenced handgun near his house in the Sainte Thérèse neighborhood in Hadath, south of Beirut.

Hizbullah said al-Laqqis spent his youth and dedicated all his life in the resistance since its inception up until the last moments of his life.

An official close to the group said al-Laqqis held some of Hizbullah's most sensitive portfolios and was very close to the party leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and his inner circle.

Hizbullah blamed Israel. But Israeli officials categorically denied involvement.

Two previously unknown groups identifying themselves as Sunnis issued separate claims of responsibility.


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