Israel and Lebanon exchange fire in border area

Israeli and Lebanese forces have exchanged fire in the border area between the two countries. Lebanon accused Israeli patrol of crossing the UN demarcated boundary, whereas Israelis said they were searching for explosives.

The Lebanese army said their troops opened fire on an Israeli patrol that crossed the UN-demarcated boundary between the two countries, known as the Blue Line.

From their part, the Israelis said they were searching for explosives in the area. Meanwhile, having found themselves under fire from the Lebanese side, Israeli forces reportedly returned fire.

However, there were no reports of casualties.

It was the first such incident since Lebanon deployed regular forces after Israel's war against Hezbollah guerrillas last summer.