Israeli tanks breach UN peacekeepers' post in Lebanon
Two Israeli tanks entered a United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) observation post in southern Lebanon on Sunday morning. This is one of a series of incidents in the area where Israeli forces are conducting operations against Hezbollah. Israel has called on the UN to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, but the organisation has refused.
UNIFIL observation personnel in the town of Ramyah, located at the Israeli-Lebanese border, noticed Israeli troops consisting of three platoons crossing the so-called Blue Line in the early morning. As reported on the X service, two Merkava tanks breached the gate of the observation post, violating the peacekeepers' territory.
"The tanks left about 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through our liaison mechanism, saying that IDF presence was putting peacekeepers in danger," reported UNIFIL.
Shortly afterwards, shots were fired near the base, and smoke appeared. As a result of these events, 15 soldiers were injured. The statement added that on the eve of the incident, Israeli forces stopped one of the mission's transport convoys.
Series of incidents
This is another in a series of incidents where in the last few days, Israeli forces fighting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have violated UNIFIL positions.
Previously, it was reported that watchtowers near the mission's headquarters in the town of Naqoura were shot at, and several soldiers were injured as a result of these incidents. According to UNIFIL, Israeli shelling was "systematic and deliberate".
Netanyahu calls for evacuation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his call for the withdrawal of UN forces from the border area. He claims that the organisation's soldiers serve as "hostages" and "human shields" for Hezbollah, which endangers their safety. The UN, on the other hand, reminds that UNIFIL operates under a UN Security Council resolution, and attacks on these forces violate international law.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has been stationed there since 1978. The mission currently includes about 10,000 soldiers and 800 civilians from 50 countries. So far, 40 countries participating in the mission have condemned the Israeli attacks, calling for the safety of their soldiers to be ensured.
In response to these events, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Benjamin Netanyahu's appeal, calling it a "new chapter" in Israel's disregard for international norms. Lebanon views Israeli army actions as a threat not only to the UN peacekeeping forces but also to the region's stability.
Escalation in the Middle East
Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon, aimed at fighting Hezbollah. The group, supported by Iran, has been controlling these areas for years, possessing better weapons and more organised structures than the regular Lebanese army.
UNIFIL's goal is to support Lebanese authorities in regaining effective control over the country's south, as well as monitoring the implementation of the 2006 UN resolution, which called for the withdrawal of all armed forces from the area except for the Lebanese army and UN forces.
Although Israeli forces left Lebanon after the 2006 war, Hezbollah not only remained but also developed its military infrastructure in the region.
