Here are two reasons why today's clash on the Israeli-Lebanese border smells like a set up:
1. The IDF's tree clearing was routine border maintenance, and notified UNIFIL in advance. As Yisrael Medad points out, once the info trickled down to Hezbollah, it wouldn't be difficult for someone to stage an incident, complete with invitations to reporters and photographers.
2. A UN tribunal investigating the assassination of Rafik Hariri is due to indict Hezbollah figures. If Hezbollah wanted to divert Lebanese attention, a cross-border provocation is just what the spin doctors might order.
