Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
UNIFIL Post Breached by Israeli Tanks in Southern Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that Israeli tanks forcibly entered one of its positions in southern Lebanon early Sunday morning. According to the UN peacekeeping force, two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tanks broke the main gate of a post in Ramyah, near the Israeli-Lebanese border, and demanded the post turn off its lights. UNIFIL condemned this as a violation of its mandate and international law.
Incidents and Injuries Following the Breach
Around two hours after the tanks breached the post, nearby rounds were fired, sending smoke into the camp. This incident caused 15 peacekeepers to experience skin and gastrointestinal irritations. UNIFIL labeled these incidents as "shocking violations" of their safety and security, reiterating their call for the IDF and all involved parties to respect the inviolability of UN premises and personnel.
Netanyahu's Warning to UNIFIL
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged UNIFIL to vacate areas of southern Lebanon affected by the ongoing conflict. In a statement, Netanyahu warned that the peacekeepers' presence could make them "hostages of Hezbollah," the Lebanese militant group engaged in cross-border conflicts with Israel. He claimed their presence in such areas endangered both UN peacekeepers and Israeli soldiers.
Israel Faces International Criticism
Several countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, have condemned Israel for incidents where UNIFIL personnel were injured. Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, emphasizing that criticism should focus on Hezbollah rather than Israel. He asserted that UNIFIL had failed to curb Hezbollah’s activities in southern Lebanon, one of the main reasons for Israel’s military presence in the area.
UNIFIL's Refusal to Withdraw
Despite Israel's request for UNIFIL to withdraw from southern Lebanon by five kilometers to avoid being caught in the conflict, the peacekeeping force has refused. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti reiterated that it was important for the UN flag to continue flying in the region, symbolizing the UN's commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
Reactions from Lebanon
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, accusing Israel of disregarding international law. He urged the international community to take a firm stance against what he called Israeli aggression.
The Conflict's Broader Context
These incidents occur amid ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with frequent exchanges of fire across the border since October. The conflict escalated after attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in southern Israel. Israel has long criticized UNIFIL for failing to prevent Hezbollah from operating in the region, citing a 2004 UN resolution calling for the disbanding of militant groups in Lebanon.
UNIFIL, with nearly 10,000 peacekeepers, continues its mission of maintaining peace between Lebanon and Israel along the "Blue Line," the internationally recognized border between the two nations.
