IDF Allows Olive Harvest in South Lebanon Security Zone

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is permitting Lebanese and Syrian workers to enter agricultural areas within the security strip in southern Lebanon to participate in the olive harvest. This operation, revealed by Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), is being conducted in coordination with and under the escort of IDF forces.

The harvest is taking place in farmlands belonging to villages along the border, from Shuba in the east to Alma al-Sha'b in the west. The activity is supervised and monitored by IDF troops stationed in the area. While most of the villages involved are Christian, the Sunni Muslim village of Shuba, from which Hezbollah has previously launched terror attacks, is also included. The IDF eliminated several terrorists operating from Shuba during the recent war.

Syrian laborers, employed by Lebanese landowners, are also entering these areas for the harvest, with their entry coordinated by the IDF. The military stated that participants must undergo necessary checks and receive approvals, though details on the security screening process, including whether individual background checks are conducted by military intelligence or the Shin Bet, were not provided. It remains unclear if the decision to allow the harvest in the security strip was approved by the political echelon.

An apparent discrepancy exists between the IDF's statement and the reported details. The IDF claimed the harvest is permitted only in Christian villages, despite Shuba being a Sunni Muslim village where the activity is occurring. The IDF spokesperson stated, "The IDF is allowing olive harvests in several Christian villages in southern Lebanon, according to the security situation assessment. Participants' entry is conditional on the required checks and approvals, and is carried out under IDF supervision, with control over their entry and exit from the area. The activity is conducted according to the operational situation assessment, while maintaining the security of the forces and residents of the north. The IDF is operating in accordance with the ceasefire agreement to ensure the security of the residents of the north."