Arafat’s health causes security concern on both sides of Lebanon-Israel border. Lebanese daily, The
Daily Star reported that security officers on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border have increased
their vigilance, fearing escalation of violence on the frontier. Following news of deterioration in
Arafat’s health, Israeli aircraft flew over South Lebanon, breaching Lebanese airspace on eight separate
occasions, reported The Daily Star. Israeli military has been placed on high alert in the West Bank and
Gaza after Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz called a meeting in Tel Aviv attended by the heads of the
country's security services, after Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz called a meeting in Tel Aviv attended
by the heads of the country's security services. Apparently both sides are concerned on what free
uncontrolled elements of Palestinian groups might do in the event of Arafat succumbing to his poor
health. While the Hizbullah is careful to protect its tactical control of the Blue Line, there is no way to
predict the behaviour of free uncontrolled Palestinians. The UN identified the Blue Line after Israeli
forces withdrew in May 2000. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) contains stray incidents of
sporadic violence from both sides, from escalating into serious situations. UN Security Council, in July,
had extended the mandate of UNIFIL by six months.