Sir, - I wish to correct some inaccuracies in the report headed "Israel strips Lebanese soil" (The Irish Times, November 7th). From preliminary investigations made by Israeli authorities, it has been discovered that a private citizen dug up sand for private purposes. This digging took place close to the fence separating Israeli territory from Lebanese territory, in the vicinity of the Israeli city of Metula. The security and legal authorities concerned are investigating the matter. In the meantime, the security authorities - the Israeli Defence Forces and the Israeli police - have taken steps to prevent a recurrence of this digging up.
As for the situation in South Lebanon, Israel has repeatedly stated that it has no territorial claim on Southern Lebanon: it is forced to hold a nine-mile buffer zone against terrorist attacks on civilian targets in its northern region.
The inability or unwillingness of the Lebanese government to prevent the use of its territory as a base for aggression against Israel is a clear violation of international law and of the Charter of the United Nations. These circumstances leave Israel no choice whatsoever but to exercise its right of self-defence.
As has been stated, Israel is prepared to implement Security Council Resolution 425 provided that it does indeed bring about the restoration of international peace and security in the region.
Cardinal to the prospects of implementing Resolution 425 is a firm commitment from the Lebanese government that it will not permit any hostile cross-border activity from groups such as Hizbullah in the future. It is disappointing that until today the government of Lebanon has failed to make such a commitment. - Yours, etc., Zvi Gabay,
Ambassador of Israel,
Dublin.