'Israel' begins building concrete wall behind Blue Line in southern Lebanon

• 'Israeli' forces start building a concrete wall behind the Blue Line near Maroun al-Ras and Ayta al-Shaab.
• Wall is being constructed near a new 'Israeli' military position in Jabal al-Batt, about 1 km from the border.
• Lebanese journalists documented the construction.

In a new development that has sparked concerns over Lebanese sovereignty, the 'Israeli' army has commenced construction of a concrete wall behind the Blue Line, the internationally recognized border with Lebanon.

The wall is being built opposite the towns of Maroun al-Ras and Ayta al-Shaab, and behind a newly established Israeli military position in the Jabal al-Batt area, roughly one kilometer from the border.

Lebanese journalists present in the south have documented the construction with photographs. The images show the concrete wall taking shape directly across from the two Lebanese towns.

This construction is part of a series of 'Israeli' field activities along the border that have alarmed Lebanese authorities as well as local and international observers, who warn that such moves undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and heighten tensions along the frontier.

Earlier this year, Lebanon condemned “Israel's” presence on its soil as "occupation" after “Israel” said its troops would remain at five locations after the expiry of a deadline for it to withdraw.

After a meeting between President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, the three leaders said the Lebanese army was ready "to assume all its duties along the... borders", presidency spokesperson Najat Charafeddine said.

Charafeddine added Lebanon would also seek the UN Security Council's help to "address Israeli violations and compel Israel to immediately withdraw".