Not again: Breslav Haredim cross Lebanese border - and throw stones at IDF; four arrested

Last night (Tuesday/Wednesday), the Israel Police arrested four Haredim who illegally crossed the border into Lebanese territory in an attempt to reach the grave of Rav Ashi, according to Ynet.

When a group of IDF soldiers came to try and disperse the Haredim, who numbered in the dozens, some resisted and even threw stones. Four of those suspected of doing so were arrested for illegal border crossing and disturbing public order, and the remainder were returned to Israeli territory.

Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh reports that two soldiers were lightly wounded from the stone throwing. They are being medically treated and their families were updated.

The Police is expected to request that the suspects' detention be extended at the Kiryat Shmonah peace court.

This is not the first time that Haredim have tried to reach the grave of Rav Ashi in Mount Shenan in Lebanon, despite it being located in dangerous, enemy territory.

The Police stressed that it would "act with determination towards those criminals who harm security forces and reminded the public that reaching areas near the border fence is prohibited and dangerous, let alone crossing the border into Lebanon which is prohibited by law and the punishment for violating the law is up to four years imprisonment."

Israel completed its withdrawal from southern Lebanon yesterday, in accordance with the extended withdrawal deadline determined by the ceasefire, with the exception of five strategic outposts overlooking the region, which they occupy with the consent of the United States.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other senior Lebanese government leaders have repeatedly insisted that Israel leave entirely, including the outposts, and have made appeals to the United States and France, who brokered the ceasefire, to ensure this. Aoun has insisted that Israel's full withdrawal be secured through diplomatic means, as Lebanon cannot afford another war.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has also said that Israel remaining in Lebanon after the withdrawal deadline would make it an occupier, with all that entails. He did, however, insist that it is the job of the Lebanese state to make sure that Israel leaves entirely.