Israeli army facilitates ultra-orthodox Jews’ visit to Lebanon, raising tensions

Hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredi) crossed into Lebanon with the protection and coordination of the Israeli army under the pretext of visiting a tomb.

According to Israel Hayom, Ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jews crossed into Lebanon under the supervision of the Israeli army at night to visit the tomb of Rabbi Rav Ashi, believed to have lived in the fourth century, which is located on Lebanese soil.

The Hasidic Jews’ tomb visit and ceremony were coordinated by the Israeli army, with soldiers accompanying them.

The report highlighted that although Ultra-Orthodox Jews had previously crossed into Lebanon illegally to visit the tomb, this was the first time such a trip was organized in coordination with the army.

Two weeks ago, the Israeli army captured 20 Israeli Hasidic Jews who had crossed illegally into Lebanon, sending them back to Israel. Some of these individuals were arrested.

In another incident in February, dozens of Ultra-Orthodox Jews crossed the Lebanese border to reach the tomb.

It was claimed that the Hasidic Jews had been negotiating with the Israeli army for regular trips to the area, but the Israeli army declined to confirm these claims.

Israel’s ongoing occupation of Lebanon

A cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel was reached on Nov. 27, 2024. According to the cease-fire agreement, the Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from the points it had occupied in southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, Israel extended the occupation period until Feb. 18, claiming that the Lebanese army had not fully taken control of the southern part of the country.

While Lebanese soldiers were deployed in 11 regions previously occupied by Israel on Feb. 18, the Israeli army announced that occupation would continue at five points along the Israeli-Lebanese border.