Mr Nikolian is believed to have been the only person on board the Cessna. The army had feared a suicide plane attack from Lebanon, Lt Col Rafowicz said, but it is not yet known whether the plane was carrying any weapons or explosives. Nemeh Malek, the director of the plane's owner, JR Executives, said Mr Nikolian was not licensed to fly without a trainer. He said nobody knew what had prompted the pilot's actions. Israel is on alert for attacks by the Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbullah to mark the first anniversary of its withdrawal after a 22-year occupation.
Today is a public holiday in Lebanon with official celebrations to mark the withdrawal.
The Israelis also say that Hizbullah has been assisting the Palestinians with their uprising against the Israelis.