JERUSALEM – Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has reassured U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Israel will continue to take steps to prevent harm to UNIFIL peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon, amid escalating hostilities with Hezbollah.
The Israeli Defense Ministry released a statement on Oct. 13, confirming that Minister Gallant emphasized Israel’s commitment to safeguarding the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) during overnight talks with his U.S. counterpart. This pledge comes after at least five peacekeepers were injured as Israeli forces clashed with Hezbollah along the volatile border.
UNIFIL has accused the Israeli military of “deliberately” targeting its positions in the southern Lebanese town of Naqura, where the peacekeeping force is headquartered, as well as in other areas. The mission has called for an immediate halt to these actions and demanded thorough investigations into the incidents.
A joint statement from 40 countries contributing to UNIFIL, including Indonesia, Italy, and India, underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of peacekeepers and called for an immediate cessation of attacks on UNIFIL personnel.
UNIFIL, comprising approximately 9,500 troops from around 50 nations, has been responsible for monitoring the 2006 ceasefire that ended the 33-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. As tensions continue to mount, the safety of these troops remains a critical concern.