An Israeli patrol crossed at least 50 meters into southern Lebanon Thursday but was forced to withdraw after UN forces intervened.

"Today a 10-member Israeli enemy patrol crossed the electronic fence on the Saddani hills located between the villages of Kfar Chouba and Shebaa," a statement released by the Lebanese army read.

The statement said the Israeli patrol entered between 50 meters and 100 meters into Lebanese territory.

"Army troops in the area went immediately on alert and a unit from the UN Interim Force intervened, forcing the enemy patrol to withdraw toward the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms," the statment said.

MP/MR