Israeli forces reportedly fired at a UN peacekeeping position in the village of Kfar Kela in southern Lebanon, causing damage to a watchtower. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was confirmed by the United Nations.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) released a statement detailing the attack, stating that peacekeepers witnessed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower. As a result, two cameras were destroyed, and the tower itself sustained damage.
This latest incident adds to a series of confrontations between Israeli forces and UNIFIL personnel. The UN expressed concern over what appears to be direct and intentional targeting of its positions.
Israel's foreign minister, however, denied any intention to harm UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. He accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL personnel as human shields, alleging that the militant group deliberately fires at IDF soldiers from locations near UNIFIL positions to provoke conflict.
The UN has reported multiple instances of Israeli military aggression towards its peacekeepers in recent weeks, including firing on personnel, entering a base without permission, disrupting logistical operations, and causing injuries to UNIFIL troops.
In response to the latest incident, UNIFIL reiterated the importance of respecting the safety and security of UN personnel and property. The statement emphasized the obligation of all parties, including the IDF, to uphold the inviolability of UN premises at all times.
