Israeli warplanes renew violations of Lebanese airspace

Israeli warplanes on Thursday renewed violations of the Lebanese airspace to the south and this provoked the Lebanese army to retaliate by opening fire on them.

The Lebanese police said the Israeli planes flew at low altitude over the coastal area around the cities of Tyre and Sidon.

The UN has repeatedly deplored the continued Israeli violations of the Lebanese airspace and called on its to halt such practices. The Israeli warplanes hold almost organized sorties over the Lebanese territories since the withdrawal of the Israeli army in May 2000 following an occupation that lasted for 22 years.

The Israeli provocations came at a time when the Lebanese area has been witnessing tension following the assassination of the Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri last week.