by dailystar.com.lb — BEIRUT: Israeli jets and a warship crossed into Lebanese territory in the country’s south Sunday, days after the conclusion of a large scale Israeli military drill that was supposed to simulate war with Hezbollah. The Lebanese Army said in a statement Sunday that an Israeli warship had crossed into Lebanon’s territorial waters in the early hours of the morning near Naqoura. The ship is said to have reportedly fired warning sirens after crossing 200 meters over the border. The Lebanese Army stated it was following up on the incident in coordination with UNIFIL forces. Israeli jets were also seen flying at low altitudes over much of southern Lebanon, including Hasbaya, Arqoub, Jabal al-Sheikh, Shebaa Farms, Nabatiyeh and Iqlim al-Tuffah. They were also seen as far north as Metn, according to the state-run National News Agency. An Israeli MK-type reconnaissance drone reportedly also conducted flybys over the area.

Israeli launched a largescale military drill earlier last week simulating war with Hezbollah, which has seen the participation of thousands of troops. Hezbollah reportedly drafted in extra reservists to the southern border at the time in response, a Lebanese security source told The Daily Star. This military drill came as Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, concluded a second round of border talks Thursday under UN and US supervision that will allow for offshore energy exploration. The talks have so far been shrouded in secrecy, with little information emerging on their progress. Amid the worst economic crisis since the Civil War, Lebanon is hoping to settle the maritime border dispute so that it can continue searching for hydrocarbon reserves in the Mediterranean. The talks are set to resume Nov. 11.

The source estimated that the chances of success of the talks being mediated by the United States are less than 50% after the second round of unprecedented negotiations ended Thursday between the two countries that have no diplomatic relations.