Defense Minister Ezer Weizman told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee today that Israel was closely watching the Syrian military buildup in Lebanon. But he stressed that Israel was not making any moves that might increase the tension there.
As part of the buildup it has been learned here that units of the Palestine Liberation Army, the military arm of the Palestine Liberation Organization, has taken over the policing of the Lebanese coastline between Beirut and Sidon as the Syrian troops withdrew to other areas. The PLO units are equipped with tanks and artillery. This area is outside the zone covered by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
Maj. Soad Haddad, head of the Christian militia in south Lebanon, said today he fears this new development will increase tension.
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