Israel's air force shot down a light civilian aircraft today when it flew into Israel from Lebanon on the anniversary of Israel's army pullout from the neighbouring state, the armed forces said.
Israeli military sources said the pilot's body was found in the wreckage. Witnesses said parts of the plane fell into the Mediterranean, and Israel Radio said the plane crashed near a school.
In Lebanon, security sources said the pilot was a Lebanese national. They identified him as Mr Stephan Nicolian and said he had taken off from Beirut airport in a plane belonging to a local company.
Israeli army spokesman Mr Ron Kitrey told Israel Radio that Israeli helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft crews had tried to warn the pilot of the Cessna aircraft that he was flying over Israel, but the warnings went unheeded - and the Israelis shot the plane down.
Israel pulled out of south Lebanon last year, ending a 22-year-long occupation, and army officers had warned that Hizbullah fighters who led the Lebanese guerrilla campaign for Israel's withdrawal could attack to mark the anniversary.
Israeli troops stationed on the Lebanon border have been on heightened alert. Israeli media this week showed pictures of Hizbullah guerrillas threatening to attack Israel on the withdrawal anniversary.