UN envoy calls for halt to Israeli air violations across withdrawal line in Lebanon

Warning that Israeli flights across the withdrawal line in Lebanon can lead to greater tension in the area, a senior United Nations envoy in Beirut today called on Israel to halt those actions.

Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Personal Representative for Southern Lebanon, made his statement after five Israeli overflights took place across the line - known as the Blue Line - on Thursday. Sonic booms were also heard over southern Lebanon.

"Such violations of the Blue Line and Lebanese airspace can potentially aggravate an already tense situation," he warned, reiterating his call on the Israeli authorities to "cease these violations and fully respect the Blue Line."

The UN has drawn attention to air violations by Israeli military aircraft across the Blue Line on various occasions, including in recent reports to the Security Council.