TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said an Israeli tank rammed its vehicles on two occasions on Sunday in southern Lebanon, causing significant damage and restricting the movement of peacekeepers.
Southern Lebanon has been the site of ongoing Israeli air and ground operations targeting Hezbollah since last month.
“On two occasions today, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers rammed UNIFIL vehicles with a Merkava tank, in one case causing significant damage,” the statement said.
Violation of UN Resolution 1701
UNIFIL also said Israeli forces fired warning shots near peacekeepers, blocked roads, and damaged surveillance equipment, actions it said violated UN Security Council Resolution 1701, according to Yeni Safak.
The Israeli military reportedly blocked a road in Bayada in southern Lebanon used to access UNIFIL positions.
“Over the past week, Israeli soldiers have fired ‘warning shots’ in the area, striking and damaging clearly identifiable UNIFIL vehicles. In one case, a ‘warning shot’ landed a meter away from a peacekeeper who had dismounted his vehicle,” the statement added.
“Israeli soldiers have continually blocked peacekeepers’ movements on this road in recent days, in addition to denials of freedom of movement recorded in other areas,” it said.
UNIFIL patrols southern Lebanon near the Israeli border, where tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated since early March.
“These actions are inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under Security Council resolution 1701 and the requirement to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as their freedom of movement at all times,” UNIFIL said.
The mission warned the incidents are hindering its ability to report violations by both sides in the field. It said peacekeepers would remain in position and continue reporting to the UN Security Council.
Lebanon was drawn deeper into the regional conflict after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel in response to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since March 2, Israel has carried out near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement.
Deaths of Indonesian Peacekeepers
Three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon last month. A preliminary UN investigation found that one died from Israeli tank fire, while two others were likely killed by improvised explosive devices planted by Hezbollah.
Other UNIFIL personnel have also been injured since the escalation of hostilities.
Earlier this month, the Israeli military destroyed surveillance cameras at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and five other positions, the statement said. On Saturday, Israeli forces also “spray-painted the windows of the headquarters’ pedestrian access gate, denying visibility to the external perimeter,” it added.
UNIFIL said these actions undermine the obligation to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of movement of peacekeepers.
UN peacekeepers have served as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel for decades, though their mandate is set to expire at the end of this year.
The incidents come as Israel intensifies its operations in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing further escalation unless Hezbollah disarms. Lebanon and Israel are expected to meet in Washington on April 14 to discuss a ceasefire framework.
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