Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United Nations to evacuate its peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon, citing concerns for their safety amidst ongoing hostilities.
In a statement on Sunday, Netanyahu called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to immediately withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from areas where active combat between Israel and Hezbollah is intensifying.
This appeal follows several incidents where UNIFIL members were injured due to Israeli fire. Despite these injuries, UNIFIL has refused to retreat from its positions along the Lebanon-Israel border, known as the Blue Line.
Netanyahu criticized this decision, saying it effectively shields Hezbollah militants and puts both UN peacekeepers and Israeli soldiers at greater risk.
“We regret the injuries to UNIFIL soldiers and are working to prevent further harm. However, the best way to ensure their safety is to move them out of the danger zone immediately,” Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting.
He emphasized that Israel had repeatedly requested the withdrawal of the peacekeepers but was met with refusals.
UNIFIL, which consists of around 9,500 troops from various nations, has maintained its stance to remain in the region. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stated that despite the risks, the mission has chosen to stay to maintain the UN’s presence and report back to the Security Council.
“We believe it is important for the UN flag to continue flying in the region, especially in times of conflict,” Tenenti said, showing their commitment to their mandate.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 and is primarily responsible for monitoring the ceasefire that ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Despite recent attacks on peacekeepers, including incidents that wounded five UNIFIL personnel, a joint statement issued by 40 contributing nations to the peacekeeping force condemned the attacks and reaffirmed their support for the mission’s continued presence in southern Lebanon.
