The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon reported that Israeli tanks breached one of its positions early Sunday morning.
According to a statement from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tanks forcibly entered a post in Ramyah, close to the Israeli border, by breaking down the main gate. The tanks reportedly entered to demand that the post turn off its lights.
Approximately two hours later, there were rounds fired nearby, resulting in smoke entering the camp. This incident caused 15 peacekeepers to experience skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues.
The IDF, however, provided a different account of the events, stating that the tanks had approached the UNIFIL post to facilitate the evacuation of soldiers wounded by an anti-tank missile. The IDF reported that two soldiers were seriously injured in the attack, with others sustaining minor injuries.
“To evacuate the wounded, two tanks had to move backward towards the UNIFIL position as it was the only safe route under the threat of shooting,” the IDF stated. They added that during the incident, a shot was fired to assist in the evacuation, emphasizing that there was “continuous communication” with UNIFIL and no threat posed to the peacekeepers by IDF actions.
This encounter is one of several recent interactions between Israeli forces and UNIFIL, with Israel urging the peacekeepers to withdraw from southern Lebanon, citing safety concerns after launching a ground incursion on September 30 aimed at the armed group Hezbollah.
In a video statement on Sunday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on UNIFIL to “immediately” relocate its forces out of the area, stating their presence made them vulnerable as “hostages of Hezbollah.” UNIFIL has declined to comply with these requests so far.
Israel has faced criticism for previous incidents where UN peacekeepers were harmed in southern Lebanon, with the IDF acknowledging responsibility for firing on UN positions in some cases.
UNIFIL responded to the latest breach by saying, “For the fourth consecutive day, we urge the IDF and all actors to ensure the safety of UN personnel and property and to respect the sanctity of UN premises at all times.” The peacekeeping force called the breach of its Ramyah post “a clear violation of international law.”
Additionally, UNIFIL reported that on Saturday, Israeli troops blocked a “critical” logistical movement near Meiss El Jebel, another border area. The IDF has not yet responded to that incident.
The tensions continue to escalate, with regular cross-border exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel since last October, following attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on communities in southern Israel.
Currently, nearly 10,000 peacekeepers from over 50 countries, along with around 800 civilian staff, are stationed in Lebanon to patrol the area between the Litani River and the UN-designated boundary between Lebanon and Israel known as the “Blue Line.” Israel has previously requested that UNIFIL withdraw at least 5 km (3 miles) north of this line.
