IDF Clarifies Warning Shots Near Lebanese Army Were Outside Pilot Zone

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to claims by the Lebanese army that Israeli forces fired near their units during deployment in Zotar al-Arabiya, an area referred to as the "pilot zone." The IDF stated that the shots fired were warning shots aimed at the air only and did not endanger Lebanese troops, intending to keep them at a distance. Furthermore, the IDF emphasized that the area where the Lebanese army entered is not part of the designated pilot zone.

An official IDF source later confirmed that firing occurred near a Lebanese army unit because they had crossed into an area where their movement is not permitted, raising concerns about potential risks to IDF forces operating in the vicinity. This incident took place during IDF operations in the town of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon, as part of Operation "Roaring Lion."