GHAJAR
in the Golan Heights
 
 Tuesday, January 26th, 8am-10pm 
 
...In the decades following the first Lebanon War in 1982, the village expanded into Lebanese territory, and since the Israeli pull-out of Lebanon in 2000, and moreover the conclusion of the second Lebanon War in 2006, parts of the village have been in dispute between Israel and Lebanon.  In recent weeks, some progress has been reported in the negotiations between Israel and UNIFIL (and, indirectly, Lebanon) towards who will control which parts of the village in the future.
 
This unique field tour will include:

- Entrance into the village itself
- Visits to the nearby border area
- Briefing by an IDF commander

- Briefing by a military analyst, a former IDF general and area commander
- Meeting with the Ghajar Spokesperson

- Briefing with UNIFIL representatives (by phone)

After Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, the Hezbollah terrorist group tried to establish itself in the village which became a drug smuggling center and a point from which there were attempts to kidnap IDF soldiers and civilians.  In the 2006 Lebanon war, Israel reoccupied the northern part of the village.  Since then, due to security concerns, ease of entry to and exit from the village has been severely affected.  Negotiations between Israel and UNIFIL are moving forward, in the expectation that the "blue line" border demarcation, to which Israel withdrew to complete the full withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon territory in 2000, will be patrolled by UN forces to prevent terrorists and smugglers from crossing over and then through the southern part of the village into Israel.  This line, however, runs through the village, to the frustration of local residents, who wish to keep their village whole.

A fee of 200 Shekels will cover transportation, speakers, lunch and a light supper.

Event Archive