Department of Strategic Security and Military Research and Studies 11-10-2024

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has denounced what it describes as a “deliberate” assault by Israeli forces on its peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon.

Two Indonesian UN peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired on a watchtower located at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, a border town, causing the tower to collapse, according to a Thursday statement by the peacekeeping mission.

UNIFIL emphasized that any assault on peacekeepers constitutes a severe breach of international humanitarian law.

The force, which includes approximately 10,000 personnel from 50 nations and has been operational since 1978, accused Israeli forces of intentionally targeting its positions along the Lebanon-Israel border.

United Nations Response

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, informed the Security Council that the safety of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon is increasingly under threat. Since Israel initiated airstrikes against Hezbollah targets on September 23, operational activities have been severely restricted, leaving peacekeepers largely confined to their bases.

Lacroix affirmed that UNIFIL stands ready to assist in any diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, adding that the mission’s mandate is to support the enforcement of Security Council Resolution 1701. However, he stressed that its implementation ultimately lies with the involved parties.

Resolution 1701 tasks UNIFIL with helping the Lebanese army maintain a weapons-free zone along the southern border, with the exception of arms held by the Lebanese state.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti described the Israeli attack as a “serious escalation,” explaining that Israel had previously requested the peacekeepers to vacate certain areas near the border. Nonetheless, UNIFIL opted to remain in place, asserting the importance of maintaining the UN presence in southern Lebanon. Tenenti underscored that the Security Council would need to assess the mission’s future if the situation worsens, though UNIFIL continues to monitor the area and provide assistance where possible.

Reaction from Indonesia

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, confirmed on Friday that two of her country’s peacekeepers were injured in the attack and are receiving medical attention. She strongly condemned the assault, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law, and reiterated Indonesia’s long-standing support for Palestine while criticizing Israel’s actions.

Indonesia currently has around 1,232 personnel serving in UNIFIL.

Israel’s Position

The Israeli military acknowledged opening fire near a UNIFIL base, stating that its troops had previously instructed UN personnel to remain in protected areas. Israel claims that Hezbollah operates within civilian areas, including near UNIFIL posts, and that its actions are aimed at dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure threatening Israeli civilians.

Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, suggested that UNIFIL should relocate five kilometers north of the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, due to heightened tensions stemming from Hezbollah’s activities.

International Reactions

The White House expressed “deep concern” over the reports of Israeli fire directed at UNIFIL’s headquarters, with a National Security Council spokesperson emphasizing the importance of safeguarding UN peacekeepers while Israel conducts its operations near the Blue Line to neutralize Hezbollah threats.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attack as “totally unacceptable,” warning that it could potentially constitute a war crime and calling for an explanation from Israel. Similarly, France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs called for Israel to clarify why the attack occurred and condemned the breach of UNIFIL’s security.

Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also denounced the Israeli action, labeling it a grave violation of international law and stressing the need to ensure the safety of peacekeepers. Ireland’s Simon Harris echoed these concerns, urging an immediate cessation of any further firing in UNIFIL’s vicinity.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry criticized the attack in light of Israel’s recent assaults in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, claiming that Israel’s actions reflect a disregard for accountability under international law. Turkey has five personnel at UNIFIL’s headquarters and contributes a naval vessel to its maritime task force.

European Union and Canada

Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, condemned the attack on the well-known positions of UN peacekeepers, calling it an “inadmissible act” without justification. He insisted that Israel must be held accountable under international humanitarian law and reaffirmed the EU’s support for UNIFIL. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, also criticized the attack, urging respect for international law from all sides.

Canada, which has generally backed Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, described the assault on UN peacekeepers as both “alarming” and “unacceptable.” The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of protecting peacekeepers and humanitarian workers in line with international law.