During Sunday morning, the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) observed three Israeli platoons crossing the UN-protected “blue line” on the border between Israel and Lebanon.
Around 04:30, two Israeli tanks are said to have forced their way through the gates of the UN. The tanks withdrew after 45 minutes, writes Unifil.
This happens after five UN soldiers have been injured in shelling between Israel and Hezbollah. In four of the cases, Israel is blamed, which has claimed responsibility for two.
The Israeli military said on Friday it fired at a target within 50 meters of a UN post, but that the shelling wounded two UN soldiers.
During Thursday, an Israeli tank is said to have fired at a guard tower at one of the UN posts. Even then, two soldiers were injured.
Seán Clancy, chief of staff for the Irish military – which has around 340 soldiers in Unifil – does not believe that Thursday’s attack was a coincidence as the hit area on the tower is so small.
– From a military perspective, this is not a coincidence – it is a direct action, he tells it Irish broadcaster RTÉ.
Netanyahu: Remove soldiers
Israel’s shelling of UN forces’ positions has been strongly condemned by U.N, EU and the pope. 34 countries have jointly condemned the attacks.
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) comments on the events to SVT: “We condemn all attacks against UN forces. The peacekeeping forces have a very important role in creating security in southern Lebanon”.
The Israeli Defense Minister announced on Sunday that they will take measures to prevent injuries to UN personnel. This after a call from US Defense Minister Austin Lloyd.
Shortly afterwards, however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to “remove” his soldiers from combat areas.
“Your refusal to withdraw Unfil soldiers makes them Hezbollah’s hostages,” Netanyahu said in a statement during Sunday.
Israel must also have expressed its request directly to Unifil. However, the UN forces have refused to leave.
What are UN peacekeeping troops doing in Lebanon and what will happen if they leave the area? Hear Lisa Hultman, professor of peace and conflict research, talk in the video above.