In a diplomatic boost for Israel, the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Israeli soldiers were inside Israeli territory when the border clashes erupted.

“UNIFIL established … that the trees being cut by the Israeli army are located south of the Blue Line on the Israeli side,” said a statement quoting UNIFIL military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Naresh Bhatt.

“The U.N. position is that the Blue Line must be respected in its entirety by all parties.”