Residents of Ghajar, a town that straddles the border with Lebanon, rejected Monday the idea of moving villagers from the northern, Lebanese part of the community into Israeli territory.

According to Channel 2 news, the military establishment recommends the move.

"We have been approached before with this evacuation idea, and residents strongly opposed it," local council head Ahmed Fatali said Monday night. "This is our land and our homes. Residents own another 600 dunam [150 acres] located in Lebanese territory.

There's no reason for people to leave their homes. I don't believe the residents have changed their minds," Fatali said.

Since Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in May 2000, Ghajar has been divided by an invisible border between the northern, Lebanese, half and the southern, Israeli half.

About a month ago, Hezbollah attempted to take advantage of Ghajar's vulnerable status, and launched a massive attack to abduct Israel Defense Forces soldiers. The lack of a border fence has also facilitated the smuggling of drugs from Lebanon.

A checkpoint has been set up at the entrance to the village, and all vehicles except those belonging to local residents are prohibited from entering.

About three years ago the local council petitioned the High Court of Justice, demanding the free movement of traffic be restored, and the court recently asked the local council and the government to work out a solution.

"The situation is difficult," the judges wrote, "and it requires actions on different levels, both national and international.