Lebanon demands land 'bitten off' by Israel

Lebanon has used a recent tripartite meeting with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon [UNIFIL] and Israel to demand the recovery of occupied land “bitten off” by Israel over three decades ago. The sources said Lebanon requested the recovery of the land, in Odaisa near the southern village of Naqoura, based on a recent Israeli declaration that settlements there stand on Lebanese territory. Security sources told Arabstoday the meeting, held at UNIFIL headquarters on Wednesday, brought together UNIFIL commander Major General Paolo Serra and senior officers from Lebanese and Israeli armed forces. Israel occupied Odaisa 34 years ago during the First Lebanon War in 1978. The main conflict over the land took place following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, when Lebanon announced that the internationally recognised “Blue Line,” separating Israeli and Lebanese land, would pass through the area.