Attacks on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continue. In the last 3 days, UNIFIL, the target of Israeli tanks, was attacked 3 times. UNIFIL announced that Israeli tanks demolished the main gate of the position and forcibly entered. The Peacekeeping Force reported that 15 soldiers were lightly injured, describing the violations as “shocking” and demanding an explanation from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “It is time to withdraw the UN Peacekeeping Force from war zones.” The Israeli army mentioned that an Israeli tank, trying to evacuate injured soldiers, had to enter a few meters into the UN area and left when the enemy fire ceased. While Israeli air and ground attacks on Lebanon continue, Hezbollah also retaliates with missiles.
As clashes continue at the Israeli-Lebanese border known as the Blue Line, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon was once again targeted.
In a statement from UNIFIL, it was reported that three Israeli soldiers crossing from the Blue Line into Lebanon had been observed. The Peacekeeping Force announced that Israeli tanks had demolished the main gate of the UNIFIL position in Ramyah in the south, and forcibly entered the position.
It was stated that Israeli soldiers had requested the lights of the base to be turned off. The statement read: “15 peacekeeping personnel were exposed to various effects, including skin irritation, due to the smoke caused by multiple rounds fired at the same location.”
UNIFIL soldiers also mentioned that Israeli soldiers obstructed their movements in a border village in Lebanon, and requested an explanation from Israel for the “shocking violations.”
The UN Peacekeeping Force, through the liaison mechanism, expressed their reactions and stated that the tanks left the base after 45 minutes. They announced, “After the tanks left, successive fires were opened within 100 meters of the base, and Peacekeeping Force soldiers were affected by the smoke.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “It is time to withdraw the UN Peacekeeping Force from war zones.” Also remarking, “Retaining the UN Peacekeeping Forces has made them hostages to Hezbollah,” Netanyahu assured that Israel would make every effort to prevent UN Peacekeeping Force losses and do everything necessary to win this war. He expressed his sorrow about harm to UN Peacekeeping Force personnel.
ISRAELI ARMY STATEMENT
The Israeli military also issued a statement. The statement included the following: “An Israeli tank trying to evacuate injured soldiers had to enter a few meters into the UN area. Throughout the incident, there was no threat to Peacekeeping Force soldiers from the Israeli army. The tank left the site after evacuating the injured soldiers when enemy fire ceased.” UNIFIL was once again attacked earlier today.
In a statement from UNIFIL, it was reported that in the third attack, another UN soldier was injured. The attack occurred at the headquarters located in the Ras Nakura area in southern Lebanon. Due to ongoing military movements in the area, a soldier was injured as a result of shots fired. It was noted that the source of the fire was unknown.
The soldier was taken into surgery. UNIFIL called on all actors to avoid activities near their positions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw UNIFIL forces from the conflict zone.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry declared Guterres persona non grata. Israeli forces had targeted UNIFIL positions in two separate attacks last week, injuring four soldiers.
Military allies in the UN and UNIFIL strongly condemned the attacks.
UNIFIL characterized the attacks as a “serious development” and emphasized the need to guarantee the security of UN personnel and assets. France summoned the Israeli Ambassador. Italy and Spain, along with France, issued a statement calling such attacks “unjust.” Canada expressed that the situation was “worrying and unacceptable.” President Joe Biden urged Israel not to attack UNIFIL forces.
Meanwhile, Russia stated it was “angered” and demanded that Israel refrain from “hostile actions” against peacekeepers.