A top UN envoy says the running of spy networks by Israel in Lebanon is considered a serious violation of the country's sovereignty.

"If these allegations are confirmed in court, this would constitute a very serious violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and consequently undermine relevant Security Council resolutions," Michael Williams said on Wednesday.

Williams who spoke after briefing the 15-member council on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, said "As special representative of the Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon), I am acutely conscious of the great unease and worry that this has caused among the Lebanese."

Ban Ki-moon also expressed concern about reports that Israeli spy cells "have been operating in Lebanon and that the Israeli Defense Forces helped alleged spies to cross from Lebanon into Israel through the Blue Line."

He said that if the allegations were proven, they "could endanger the fragile cessation of hostilities that exists between Israel and Lebanon."

Lebanon launched a counter espionage crackdown almost three months ago. Last month, the country's military prosecutor charged 10 more suspects with spying for Israel.

Sixty-eight people have so far been charged with espionage in the recent crackdown.

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