Tensions on Israel-Lebanon Border

I haven't posted about it, but there've been a number of tense moments along the Israeli-Lebanese border in recent weeks. A recent explosion in the border region, apparently in a Hizbullah arsenal, and some rockets fired (Al-Qa‘ida claimed responsibility) have raised the temperature.

Israel has reinforced the area of the Kfar Shuba hills (the Israeli reports refer to Har Dov: both names refer to areas in and adjacent to the "Shab‘a Farms" region in dispute, and the "Hassan Gate" referred to in the accounts is the edge of the Shab‘a Farms) and the deployment of four Merkava tanks there — yes, four — has raised the level of jitters. Here's the Daily Star on the latest events; the UN is said to be worried; Here's an Israeli view, trying to downplay things a bit.

The whole Sheb‘a Farms/Ghajar/border issue is the most explosive outstanding issue on Israel's Lebanese border (or, except for Gaza, any of its borders) at the moment, and with George Mitchell and his team in the region both sides may have some motivation for raising the urgency level a bit. The trouble, of course, is if you calibrate wrong and end up in a shooting war.