Israeli 'spying device' uncovered in southern Lebanon

Hizballah say they have uncovered a suspected Israeli espionage device hidden in a rock in southern Lebanon.

The group announced the discovery on the Hizballah affiliated al-Manar television channel, saying that "resistance fighters seized an Israeli spying contraption, with a thermal camera for night vision".

It was found hidden in a rock in Kfar Shebba, east of Shebba Farms in south Lebanon, the group said. 

This latest alleged discovery of spying device comes amid ongoing military drills by Israel along the Lebanon border, simulating a potential conflict with Hizballah.

Hizballah claimed to have uncovered a similar spying contraption in Mount Jabal al-Barouk, near Lake Qaraoun. 

At the time, Hizballah said the device was "hidden in a fiberglass, rock-like material, and was plastered onto one of the big rocks in front of western valley villages, including the international route that leads to the eastern Lebanon Mountains".

Hizballah said that the device had been destroyed and its parts scattered on the mountain. 

While Israel usually maintains silence on such issues, officials did claim earlier this week that Hizballah would be circulating "false" reports in response to the military exercises.

The drills, which simulate an outbreak of war along Israel's northern border, are seen as an act of provocation by Hizballah.

On Monday, an unnamed Hizballah official was quoted by al-Manar warning that the group's militant wing is "fully alert and ready at any time for any possible scenario".