The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon reported that Israeli tanks breached its position early Sunday morning, escalating tensions in the region. According to a statement from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tanks forcibly entered a post in Ramyah, close to the Israeli border, damaging the main gate and requesting that the lights be turned off.
Approximately two hours after this incursion, gunfire nearby resulted in smoke entering the camp, leading to skin irritations and gastrointestinal reactions among 15 peacekeepers. The IDF provided a different account, stating that their approach was necessary to evacuate soldiers injured by an anti-tank missile, claiming that two soldiers had sustained serious injuries during the attack.
The IDF clarified that during the operation, they had to maneuver their tanks backward a few meters towards the Unifil position to conduct the evacuation, asserting that they maintained communication throughout and that no threat was posed to Unifil by their activities.
This incident adds to a series of confrontations between Unifil and Israeli forces. Israel has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of the peacekeeping force from southern Lebanon amid ongoing military operations targeting Hezbollah, which escalated significantly following a ground incursion that commenced on September 30.
In a video statement, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Unifil to “immediately” remove its troops from harm’s way, accusing their presence of making them “hostages of Hezbollah.” However, Unifil has thus far declined these requests, asserting its mandate to patrol the region.
Israel faces increased international scrutiny over incidents that have resulted in injuries to Unifil personnel, with the IDF acknowledging responsibility for firing at UN posts on several occasions. Unifil condemned the breach of its Ramyah post as “a further flagrant violation of international law” and reiterated the necessity for all parties to ensure the safety of UN personnel.
In the days leading up to this incident, a total of five peacekeepers were injured, including a reported shooting at Unifil’s headquarters, the injury of two Sri Lankan troops, and two Indonesian soldiers injured after an IDF tank fired in their direction. These events have drawn condemnation from allies, including European nations. Netanyahu, however, contended that such criticisms should be directed towards Hezbollah.
Israel argues that Unifil has not succeeded in stabilizing the area or curbing Hezbollah’s operations, prompting its calls for withdrawal to confront militant activity directly. Unifil, however, has emphasized its commitment to its peacekeeping mission, with its spokesman stating a unanimous decision to maintain its presence in the region.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nijab Mikati criticized Netanyahu’s position, describing it as a continuation of Israel’s disregard for international legitimacy, and called on the global community to respond firmly against Israeli aggression.
