The Lebanese believe the incident was initiated by Israel and was premeditated, according to Hilal Khashan, a professor of political studies at the American University of Beirut.

"The Israelis might be trying to test the Lebanese resolve to confront them in the event of an all-out war with Hezbollah," the professor suggested.

Just weeks ago, Lebanon's army chief Jean Kahwaji warned that his troops would not stand by idly should there be an outbreak of hostilities.

Israel was probably surprised to see the Lebanese response when its soldiers entered the border territory, even though this had been done in coordination with UNIFIL, Khashan said on Tuesday.

On previous similar occasions the Lebanese have done nothing, so the Lebanese reaction this time will have been unexpected in Israel, he told Xinhua.

For Khashan, the incident does not reflect nervousness on both sides because "the Israelis are in control of the security situation," but he does believe that if anyone is on edge it is the Lebanese.
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