Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong denial on Monday, October 14, 2024, in response to accusations that Israel deliberately targeted UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) personnel. In his statement, Netanyahu categorically rejected the claim, calling it “completely false” and reaffirming that Israel has taken steps to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces in the combat zones near the Israel-Lebanon border.
Netanyahu’s statement came amid rising tensions in the region, as Israel continues its military operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that Israel’s conflict is not with UNIFIL or the Lebanese people, but with Hezbollah, which he accused of using Lebanese territory to wage attacks on Israel. Netanyahu made it clear that Hezbollah had been responsible for ongoing hostilities since October 8, 2023, the day after Hamas carried out a deadly massacre in southern Israel.
“The charge that Israel deliberately attacked UNIFIL personnel is completely false,” Netanyahu declared. “It’s exactly the opposite. Israel repeatedly asked UNIFIL to get out of harm’s way. It repeatedly asked them to temporarily leave the combat zone, which is right next to Israel’s border with Lebanon.”
Netanyahu explained that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had specifically requested UNIFIL to evacuate the combat area on the very day that Israel initiated its ground operations along the border with Lebanon. “We asked them specifically, ‘Please leave this area so you’re not harmed,'” he said, reiterating that Israel has no quarrel with UNIFIL and that the IDF’s priority is to avoid collateral damage during military actions.
The Israeli Prime Minister went on to accuse Hezbollah of exploiting UNIFIL’s presence to shield its own operations. According to Netanyahu, Hezbollah uses UNIFIL positions as cover to launch attacks on Israeli cities and communities. These actions, Netanyahu stated, have led to the deaths of numerous Israelis, including casualties from recent rocket and missile barrages.
“Hezbollah attacked Israel last year without any provocation on October 8th, a day after the Hamas massacre, and it’s continued to attack us ever since by launching over 10,000 rockets and missiles at Israel,” Netanyahu said. “Hezbollah uses UNIFIL facilities and positions as cover while it attacks Israeli cities and communities.”
Netanyahu framed the conflict with Hezbollah as a legitimate act of self-defense. He stressed that Hezbollah has been relentless in its aggression toward Israel, and that Israel has every right to protect its citizens. “Israel has every right to defend itself against Hezbollah and will continue to do so,” the Prime Minister affirmed, reiterating that Israel’s actions are in response to Hezbollah’s provocations and sustained attacks on Israeli territory.
Netanyahu acknowledged the unfortunate harm caused to UNIFIL personnel during recent operations but underscored that Israel was doing everything it could to prevent such incidents. “We regret any harm done to UNIFIL personnel and the IDF is doing its utmost to prevent such incidents,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by calling on UNIFIL to heed Israel’s warnings and relocate from combat zones when hostilities intensify. “The best way to assure the safety of UNIFIL personnel is for UNIFIL to heed Israel’s request and to temporarily get out of harm’s way,” Netanyahu added.
The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border has been tense, with frequent exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the IDF. Hezbollah’s use of southern Lebanon as a base for its military operations, coupled with the continued presence of UNIFIL forces, has created a highly volatile environment. The UNIFIL mission, originally established to monitor peace between Israel and Lebanon following the 1978 Israeli invasion, has found itself caught in the crossfire of escalating hostilities in the region.
Despite Netanyahu’s reassurances, the accusations of deliberate attacks on UNIFIL personnel have sparked international concern, with many calling for de-escalation and a renewed focus on diplomatic efforts to resolve the broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. As the conflict continues, the safety of UN personnel and the potential for further escalation remain central concerns for both regional and global stakeholders.–News Desk