Israel accused of targeting UNIFIL French troops in Lebanon

According to reports cited by BFM TV, three separate incidents involving the UNIFIL French contingent occurred on Saturday in the Naqoura area, though no injuries were reported.

Confrontation with UN personnel

In the first incident, Israeli soldiers reportedly pointed weapons at UNIFIL Chief of Staff Paul Sanzey and an aide as they were returning from Beirut. The officers were instructed to leave the area but were ultimately able to proceed to their destination.

Later the same day, Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on a logistics convoy conducting a supply mission, which included French troops operating under the UN mandate.

Tank fire targets rapid reaction unit

In a third incident, a unit commander from the Force Commander Reserve—part of a rapid reaction force composed of French and Finnish personnel—was reportedly targeted by fire from an Israeli tank during the afternoon. The circumstances of the engagement remain under review.

These developments have raised questions over adherence to deconfliction mechanisms designed to prevent clashes between Israeli forces and UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

France condemns incidents

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly criticised the incidents, describing them as “unacceptable and unjustifiable.” In a statement posted on X, he said the matter had been formally raised with Israel’s ambassador in Paris.

Barrot stressed that established coordination procedures had been respected, making the reported actions particularly concerning from a diplomatic and operational standpoint.

Wider regional escalation

The incidents come amid intensified military activity in Lebanon following Israeli airstrikes and ground operations launched after cross-border tensions with Hezbollah in early March. The broader region has remained volatile since the United States and Israel began coordinated strikes on Iran in late February.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and regional states, contributing to a wider escalation affecting multiple fronts across the Middle East.