IDF Closes off South Lebanon from the Rest of the Country

South Lebanon has been effectively cut off from the rest and larger portion of Lebanon by the closing, this morning for three days, by the IDF of the bridge over the Awali river, north of Jezzine, in the central sector.

The IDF said the closure was in implementation of special security measures to prevent the smuggling of terrorist materials into the Israeli-controlled south Lebanon, in which a mounting toll of terrorist attacks on IDF personnel is being reported.

The closure is said to be similar to that in effect at the bridges over the Jordan River where vehicles, coming from Jordan to the West Bank, have their cargoes offloaded at a specially-built terminal for careful examination. The loads are then placed on Israeli-licensed vehicles. Passengers also are searched at the terminal building and then proceed on Israeli buses.

Lebanese officials have denounced the searches which cause much delay for both people and vehicles but the Israelis reply that the measurs are essential to reduce terrorist attacks.

The crossover point on the Awali River on the coastal road near Sidon has been inoperative for about eight months but not because of any Israeli actions. The Lebanese are unwilling to use the coastal road south from Beirut because of barricades and check points set up by various militia groups, some of which demand “taxes” for permission for movement of goods.

LEBANESE CHILDREN TO ATTEND ISRAELI CAMP

Meanwhile, some 200 Lebanese school children are scheduled to attend a week-long camp at Ashkelon national park next week, arranged by the IDF liaison unit in south Lebanon. They are residents of Tyre, Sidon, Nabatiya, Jezzine, Hasbaya and a number of smaller towns in south Lebanon. The camp’s purpose has been described as strengthening ties between Lebanese school children and Israel.

Between 20 and 30 Lebanese teachers, students and municipal officials will visit Israel next week. In Jerusalem, they will tour the holy sites, visit the Knesset and meet with government officials.

In other developments, the IDF has denied charges that Israel is digging an underground tunnel near Deir Mimas where the Litani River bends sharply westward only some three miles from the Israeli border north of Metullah. According to Beirut reports, Israel is planning to divert Litani River waters into Israel. Such fears have frequently been expressed in Lebanon and abroad.

Denying such rumors, the IDF said the only earthworks now being carried out anywhere in the area is construction of an anti-tank ditch near Lake Kargun farther north. Israeli army and government spokesmen have described the rumors of water diversion plans as “nonsense.”