"UN Accuses Israeli Tanks of Forcing Entry into Peacekeeping Post in Southern Lebanon"
The UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon reported on Sunday that Israeli tanks had forcibly breached one of its positions. The incident is the latest in a string of confrontations near the Israeli-Lebanese border.
According to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tanks broke through the main gate of a UN post in the village of Ramyah, near the border. The tanks entered the post, reportedly demanding the peacekeepers turn off their lights.
Approximately two hours later, nearby rounds were fired, causing smoke to enter the UN compound. Fifteen peacekeepers subsequently experienced skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues as a result. Unifil condemned these actions as “shocking violations” of international law.
The tension comes amidst Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent calls for Unifil forces to vacate areas of conflict. Netanyahu argued that their presence puts them at risk, stating they have become “hostages of Hezbollah.” He urged the peacekeepers to relocate “out of harm’s way” as the conflict escalates between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful militant group operating in southern Lebanon.
Israel has previously faced international scrutiny for incidents involving Unifil, including cases where IDF forces were responsible for injuries to peacekeepers. Unifil reiterated that all parties, including the IDF, must respect UN personnel and property. They labeled the breach in Ramyah as a “flagrant violation” of international agreements.
Saturday saw additional friction, with Israeli troops reportedly obstructing a “critical” Unifil logistical movement near Meiss El Jebel, also located close to the border. Israel has repeatedly requested that Unifil withdraw at least 5 kilometers north, a move the peacekeepers have resisted.
With nearly 10,000 soldiers from 50 countries, Unifil has patrolled the region between the Litani River and the Israeli-Lebanese border since 1978. Their presence aims to maintain stability, but tensions have surged since October when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched attacks on southern Israeli communities, sparking renewed cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel.
In recent days, five peacekeepers have been injured in separate incidents. On Saturday, a soldier was shot at Unifil’s headquarters in Naquora, though the origin of the bullet remains unknown. Earlier in the week, two Sri Lankan peacekeepers were wounded by Israeli fire, and two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured in a separate event after an Israeli tank fired at their observation tower.
The incidents have drawn criticism from Israel’s international allies, including France, Italy, and Spain. The UK government expressed outrage at the attacks. Despite the mounting tensions, Netanyahu insisted that criticism should be directed at Hezbollah, not Israel. He accused Unifil of failing to prevent Hezbollah fighters from operating in the region, a responsibility outlined by a 2004 UN resolution.
Netanyahu’s remarks emphasized that Unifil’s presence was creating a “human shield” for Hezbollah, compromising both UN personnel and Israeli soldiers. He reiterated that Israel would take every measure to prevent further injuries but asserted that the safest course of action was for Unifil to withdraw from the conflict zone.
However, Unifil has stood firm. Spokesman Andrea Tenenti confirmed that the peacekeeping force has no plans to withdraw, stressing the importance of maintaining the UN presence in the volatile region. Lebanese Prime Minister Nijab Mikati condemned Netanyahu’s position, accusing Israel of ignoring international law and urging the global community to take a firm stance against Israeli actions.
