Despite Israel’s denials, the Lebanese army said on Sunday that Israeli vessels repeatedly entered Lebanese national waters on Saturday in a region near Ras al-Naqura close to the two nations’ borders.
The army added in a statement that there are four violations, as the military boats entered several hundred meters inside the Lebanese territorial waters and that the authorities are discussing these violations with the United Nations peacekeeping force.
According to a statement from the Israeli army, its forces “did not cross the Lebanese naval border.”
Last week, Israel and Lebanon made mention of their approval of a deal that establishes marine rights for each of countries and was brokered by Washington.
If the three parties’ agreement—which they hailed as a historical triumph—would signify a diplomatic end to decades-long hostilities and war, it will pave the way for oil exploration in the Mediterranean.
Lebanon has long accused Israel of invading its airspace with jet planes and drones that conduct exploratory missions.
Over the years, Beirut has officially complained about Israel to the UN Security Council.
Israeli bombing of Iranian targets in Syria following Israeli flights into Lebanese airspace, according to Lebanese officials.
Days following the demarcation deal, Lebanon claims that Israel has violated its water rights.
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