Lebanon says Israeli gunboats violated its territorial waters

The Lebanese army said on Sunday that Israeli gunboats violated Lebanese territorial waters several times on Saturday in an area opposite Ras Naqoura near the border between the two countries, an accusation Israel denied.

The statement said there were four violations where gunboats entered several hundred metres inside Lebanese waters and that authorities were discussing the violations with a United Nations Interim Force.

An Israeli military statement said there "was no crossing of Lebanese maritime border" by its forces.

Lebanon and Israel last week signaled their approval of a deal brokered by Washington laying out their respective maritime rights.

If finalised, the agreement - hailed by all three parties involved as a historic achievement - and see gas fields explored in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Israel has for years violated Lebanon's airspace with drones and jets planes engaged in reconnaissance activities.

Beirut had also formally complained over the years to the U.N. Security Council.

Israel has also struck alleged Iranian targets in Syria by flying its jets through Lebanese airspace, Lebanese officials say.

(Reuters)