Prime Minister Fouad Saniora on Thursday informed the United Nations of the government's rejection of Israel's "new aggression against Lebanon's sovereignty."

The premier was referring to Israel's attempted incursion into Lebanese territory at the southern Maroun el-Ras sector overnight which was confronted by the Lebanese army.

A press release said Saniora relayed the government stand to Gier Pederson, the United Nations representative in Lebanon.

The attempted Israeli incursion, according to Saniora, was a "further violation of the Lebanese sovereignty added to violations of Lebanon's airspace which have not ceased since the cease-fire was called in August."

The cessation of hostilities went into effect on Aug. 14 in line with U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 which ended a 34-day war between Hizbullah and Israel.