'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United Nations (UN) to withdraw its peacekeeping force, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), from southern Lebanon. This request comes amid growing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, with recent incidents involving Israeli tanks forcibly entering UNIFIL positions, sparking international concern.
Netanyahu, addressing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated that it was time for UNIFIL to be removed from areas under Hezbollah's control and from combat zones. He argued that UNIFIL's presence in these areas unintentionally shields Hezbollah fighters, endangering the peacekeeping force. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's military has repeatedly called for this evacuation, but these requests were denied, leaving UN peacekeepers in vulnerable positions.
"The time has come for you to withdraw UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and from the combat zones," Netanyahu said. "The refusal to do so serves as a shield for Hezbollah terrorists."
This plea followed a recent incident in which Israeli tanks reportedly destroyed the main gate of a UNIFIL position and forcibly entered the facility. According to UNIFIL, the tanks later left, but not before nearby explosions sent smoke over the base, leaving 15 UN personnel requiring treatment despite wearing gas masks. The source of the shells was not confirmed, but tensions remain high.
The Israeli military, however, disputed claims that its forces were intentionally attacking the UN post. According to military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani, the tanks had backed into the UNIFIL position while under heavy fire from Hezbollah, resulting in a mass casualty event. He stressed that the tanks were not attempting to storm the base but were trying to evacuate wounded soldiers under intense combat.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati sharply criticized Netanyahu’s demands, accusing Israel of defying international norms. "Netanyahu’s warning to the UN Secretary-General demanding the removal of UNIFIL is another example of Israel’s disregard for international law," Mikati said.
The clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified since early October, with near-daily exchanges of fire following Israel’s assault on Gaza. According to Lebanese authorities, over 2,100 people have been killed in these clashes, and more than 1.2 million have been displaced. UNIFIL, established in 1978 to monitor peace in southern Lebanon, has been caught in the crossfire, with five peacekeepers reportedly wounded in recent days.
International leaders have condemned the attacks on UNIFIL positions. The United States, through President Joe Biden, has firmly demanded that Israeli forces cease their attacks on the peacekeepers. Similarly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, typically a vocal supporter of Israel, conveyed her disapproval of Israeli forces targeting UN personnel during a conversation with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu, in response, expressed regret over any harm done to UNIFIL personnel, assuring that Israel would take steps to avoid further casualties while remaining committed to winning the war against Hezbollah. "Israel will make every effort to prevent UNIFIL casualties," Netanyahu stated.
Despite these assurances, tensions continue to rise, with UN peacekeepers now confined to their bases and their operational activities largely halted since late September. Calls for a peaceful resolution have mounted, as UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned that the safety of UN personnel is increasingly at risk.
As the situation escalates, Netanyahu's demand for the removal of UNIFIL has added a new layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in southern Lebanon. The international community remains watchful, as Israel and Hezbollah’s hostilities show no signs of abating.