Hidden in plain sight: Israeli surveillance devices discovered in Lebanese rocks

Lebanese citizens made a startling discovery today in the southern village of Rab Thalathin, unearthing sophisticated surveillance equipment camouflaged as ordinary rocks. The devices, which include hidden cameras and listening equipment, were reportedly planted by Israeli forces prior to their recent withdrawal from the area.

Local media released footage showing the surveillance devices expertly disguised within artificial rock formations. Military analysts believe these installations were part of an IDF intelligence-gathering operation before the recent pullback from the region.

This discovery adds to a pattern of similar findings across southern Lebanon in recent years. The Lebanese military typically dismantles such equipment when discovered, whether by their personnel or civilian residents.

The incident highlights decades of tensions over Israeli surveillance operations in Lebanon. Since Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, numerous such devices have been uncovered throughout the country's southern regions and beyond.

The issue has previously escalated to international forums - in 2011, Lebanon filed a formal complaint with the UN Security Council over what it described as persistent Israeli espionage activities within its territory.

The Lebanese military is currently examining the recovered equipment, which represents the latest chapter in the ongoing intelligence contest between the two nations.

The timing is also noteworthy, coming days before Israel is supposed to withdraw from Lebanon.

In a related development, the Israeli Defense Forces issued an urgent warning to Lebanese civilians Thursday, cautioning against any movement toward southern Lebanon while military operations remain ongoing.

Colonel Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson, announced that the implementation period of an unspecified agreement has been extended, emphasizing that Israeli forces maintain their presence in the area.

"The IDF has no intention of harming civilians," Adraee stated, "but residents must not return to their homes until explicitly notified."