UN peacekeepers in Lebanon targeted by Israeli tank fire near border

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has reported a dangerous incident involving Israeli military fire directed near its peacekeeping personnel, escalating tensions along the volatile Lebanese-Israeli border.

Close Call for UN Personnel

According to a UNIFIL statement released Sunday, an Israeli tank fired heavy machine gun rounds that landed approximately five meters from UN peacekeepers conducting foot patrols in southern Lebanon. The peacekeepers were forced to seek immediate shelter in the surrounding terrain to avoid potential injury. The mission promptly contacted Israeli military authorities through established liaison channels, requesting an immediate cessation of fire in the vicinity of UN personnel.

Violation of International Agreements

UNIFIL characterized the attack as a "serious violation" of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which established the framework for ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. The incident occurred near a position that Israel has maintained inside Lebanese territory, further complicating the already tense border situation. The peacekeeping mission called on the Israeli military to "cease any aggressive behavior and attacks on or near peacekeepers" who are working to stabilize the region.

Escalating Border Tensions

The dangerous incident occurs amid worsening security conditions along the Lebanon-Israel frontier, where the Israeli military has intensified near-daily aerial operations inside Lebanese territory in recent weeks. These operations have reportedly targeted Hezbollah members and infrastructure, contributing to a broader escalation that began in October 2023 and evolved into full-scale offensive actions by September 2024. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries in Lebanon.

Ceasefire Compliance Issues

The border tensions persist despite a ceasefire declared in November 2024 that stipulated complete Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January. Instead of full compliance, Israeli forces have maintained a presence at five border outposts, creating ongoing friction. Resolution 1701 specifically mandates a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line demarcation and Lebanon's Litani River, but implementation has remained challenging amid repeated violations by various parties to the conflict.