Siniora to army: Be ready against Israel

Lebanon's Prime Minister Fuad Siniora urges the Lebanese army to be prepared for any 'Israeli violation' of the Lebanese territories.

The remark came after Israeli media reported that the regime is to hold a large-scale military exercise featuring scenarios in which they claim chemical and biological missiles may hit populated areas.

Siniora warned on Friday that Tel Aviv could exploit major military exercises to exacerbate tensions along the volatile border between Lebanon and Israel.

The Lebanese army must 'be extremely vigilant and take the necessary measures to protect Lebanese civilians and face up to any Israeli violation' of Lebanese territory, a statement from his office said.

The Premier asked UN peacekeepers tasked with monitoring the border, 'to be careful' that Israel will not use maneuvers 'to launch operations capable of increasing tension'.

Siniora expressed concern that Israel could violate the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 which was adopted to end the month-long war between the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah and Israel in south Lebanon in 2006.

The Lebanon war inflicted a humiliating defeat to the so-called invincible Israeli army.