Lebanese army: IAF planes violate air space over south Lebanon

The Lebanese army said Sunday that Israel Air Force warplanes have violated Lebanese airspace by flying reconnaissance missions over southern Lebanon.

The army said four Israeli warplanes flew over southern towns and villages before noon Sunday, then headed back. The Israeli overflights lasted about an hour, the army statement said.

There was no immediate statement from the Israeli army, which usually does not comment on its flights over Lebanon.

Israeli overflights have been a constant source of tension between the two countries. Before the 2006 war, Hezbollah used to open fire on Israeli planes, with shrapnel from the anti-aircraft fire falling on Israeli communities across the border, causing some casualties.

In January, Lebanese troops opened fire on IAF warplanes flying reconnaissance missions over southern Lebanon, but no hits were reported, the Lebanese army said.