Lebanon Briefs Diplomats on Israeli Spying Stations

A large-scale meeting was held on Thursday at the parliament to brief foreign diplomats and Lebanese politicians on the recently established Israeli spying stations along its border with Lebanon.

The meeting, according to head of the committee Hizbullah MP Hassan Fadlallah, was held to discuss the dangers of the Israeli spying operations on Lebanon.

“The committee tasked by the cabinet with investigating the Israeli espionage operations briefed the attendees on the matter and displayed a video showing the Israeli violations,” the lawmaker told reporters gathered at the parliament.

He pointed out that the attendees didn't discuss the matter as the meeting was only held to brief diplomats and ambassadors on the matter to convey the Israeli violation to their countries.

Asked about the absence of the U.S. ambassador David Hale, MP Fadlallah said: “The U.S. Ambassador doesn't have to attend as he knows everything going on due to his country's relations with Israel.”

“We need a unanimous decision and a strong will to safeguard our sovereignty,” the MP said, pointing out that “when the cabinet assumes its responsibilities all Israeli violations will end.”

The lawmaker also noted that the Lebanese army will discuss the matter with the UNIFIL that “is also subjected to the Israeli espionage operations.”

The meeting was held in presence of EU ambassadors, Derek Plumbly, the U.N. special representative to Lebanon, Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel, Caretaker Telecom Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui, Caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour and several other diplomats and lawmakers.

Israel recently installed spying stations along its border with Lebanon, starting from al-Naqoura passing by Khayyam all the way to Sheba, in addition to Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh).

Syria's Mount Hermon, near the border with Lebanon, is occupied by Israel.

The espionage station includes advanced equipment that enable Israel to monitor Hasbaya, Arqoub, Rashaya, the Bekaa and several areas in eastern Lebanon mountain range.

The biggest espionage station is allegedly erected in al-Abbad and Jan al-Alam areas, which are located near the U.N. demarcated Blue line.

Israel's recent installation of espionage stations along its border with Lebanon angered several politicians as the parliamentary telecommunications committee vowed in a meeting earlier this month to confront the matter.

Several media reports said that Lebanon is expected to file a complaint to the United Nations Security Council over the issue.

Photo Credit: As Safir Newspaper.