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Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
UN peacekeepers say troops attacked by individuals in south Lebanon
BEIRUT: United Nations peacekeepers said rock-throwing individuals confronted them during a patrol on Tuesday in south Lebanon, calling repeated targeting of their troops 'unacceptable'. The UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel, sits on a five-member committee to supervise the ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah. In a statement, UNIFIL said peacekeepers conducting 'a planned patrol' coordinated with the Lebanese army were 'confronted by a group of individuals in civilian clothing in the vicinity of Hallusiyat al-Tahta, in southern Lebanon'. 'The group attempted to obstruct the patrol using aggressive means, including throwing stones at the peacekeepers,' the statement read, adding that 'one peacekeeper was struck' but no injuries were reported. The situation was defused when the Lebanese army intervened, allowing the peacekeeping force to continue its patrol. 'It is unacceptable that UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to be targeted,' the statement added. UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti told AFP a Finnish soldier was slapped during the confrontation. Israeli strike on south Lebanon kills one: ministry A witness, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said an altercation ensued between locals and the Lebanese army, who were searching for the man who slapped the peacekeeper. One man opposing the army was injured and hospitalised, the witness said. In a statement, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he 'strongly condemns the repeated attacks' on UNIFIL forces and called for the attackers to be stopped and held accountable. After a meeting with French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned 'the occasional attacks on UNIFIL patrols', calling them 'unjustified and unacceptable'. There have been several confrontations between people in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah holds sway, and UN peacekeepers in recent weeks. Confrontations are typically defused by the Lebanese army and rarely escalate. In December 2022, an Irish peacekeeper was killed in a shooting at a UN armoured vehicle in the south. Hezbollah surrendered a man accused of the crime, but he was released around a year later. The November ceasefire agreement, which sought to end over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, states that only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers may be deployed in the country's south. Israel is supposed to have fully withdrawn its troops from Lebanon according to the deal, but has remained in five positions it deems strategic and has repeatedly bombed the country.
Nahar Net
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Western, UN and Lebanese officials dismiss reports on ending UNIFIL mission
by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 June 2025, 14:21 Western and United Nations diplomats dismissed as rumors claims that the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was pulling out of the country, Saudi Arabia's Asharq al-Awsat newspaper has reported. The Lebanese government is expected to request the extension of the peacekeeping forces' mandate that expires in August. A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Asharq Al-Awsat that the reports about the withdrawal are 'inaccurate'. He did not elaborate further. UNIFIL has been deployed in southern Lebanon since March 1978. Some amendments to its mandate were introduced after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and again after the July 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Debate rages every year over its duties as the deadline for renewing its mission approaches. Some countries have sought to grant the force more powers, which would put it at odds with Hezbollah that holds sway in the areas of its deployment. Hezbollah was severely weakened after last year's war with Israel and the ensuing ceasefire agreement had demanded that the Iran-backed party remove its weapons from the South. UNIFIL forces are deployed south of the Litani River and along the border with Israel. It boasts over 10,000 soldiers from some 50 countries, as well as 800 civilian employees. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told Asharq al-Awsat that the forces' greatest challenge is the lack of a long-term political solution between Lebanon and Israel. UNIFIL continues to encourage the parties to renew their commitment to fully implementing U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 and taking tangible steps to address pending issues related to it, including steps that would lead to a permanent ceasefire, he added. It is too soon to tell what UNIFIL's mandate will be like after next August, he went on to say, stressing that changing its mission is up to the Security Council. Israeli media had reported that the United States wanted to end UNIFIL's mission. Speaking to Asharq al-Awsat, a diplomat dismissed the report as 'usual fear-mongering aimed at influencing Lebanon and other parties interested in extending UNIFIL's mandate and its role in preserving stability in the South and along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.' The Security Council is currently awaiting Lebanon's request to extend the mandate for another year, said Western diplomats. The letter will include Lebanon's clear demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Lebanese territories, including the five hilltops it seized during last year's war. The ceasefire agreement demanded that Israel pull out from those areas within 60 days. Lebanon has been seeking to resolve this issue through the quintet committee tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and through intense contacts with the U.S. U.S. officials are considering pulling American support from UNIFIL in a bid to cut costs associated with its operations, the Israel Hayom newspaper reported Sunday evening. U.S. sources later confirmed to The Times of Israel that the option was on the table. Any discussion about the future of UNIFIL falls solely under the authority of the U.N. Security Council, the spokesperson for UNIFIL clarified to Al-Mayadeen TV, noting that the force remains committed to coordinating with the Lebanese Army and insists on the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. Tenenti told Al-Mayadeen that "there are currently no talks about UNIFIL's future," adding that "any such discussion would take place within the U.N. Security Council." Meanwhile, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Al- Mayadeen in a short briefing that the recent reports claiming the United States intends to end the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon are inaccurate. Tenenti stated that UNIFIL continues its operations in southern Lebanon in full cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces. He emphasized that Israeli forces should withdraw from their occupied positions in the area, noting that the U.N. Security Council alone holds the authority to assess whether UNIFIL's ongoing presence remains necessary and effective. Tenenti also affirmed that the Lebanese Army remains committed to implementing U.N. Resolution 1701, deploying to required areas in close coordination with UNIFIL forces. When asked about French troops, he responded: "I don't distinguish between the role of French forces and UNIFIL, all are fulfilling their duties under Resolution 1701." A Lebanese official also denied the reports, in remarks to UAE's The National newspaper. 'This is not serious. We have sources in Washington who completely denied it,' the official told The National. A U.S. State Department spokesman told The National in New York the reports were "not accurate". 'I don't know where these reports are coming from, but they won't lead anywhere. The presence of UNIFIL is a necessity for everyone,' the Lebanese source added. The official said the renewal process had already begun at the request of Lebanese authorities and was expected to proceed smoothly. The decision to extend UNIFIL's mandate, which is taken annually, is made by the U.N. Security Council rather than individual countries. The council consists of 15 members; five permanent – the U.S., UK, France, China and Russia – and 10 rotating. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the mandate was in the hands of the Security Council. But he praised the work that UNIFIL has done since the 1970s as "speaking for itself". The force "has been a very crucial component to the safety and the stability of southern Lebanon", he said. "The unrest and activity across the Blue Line continues even now, so the situation has not returned to a position of stability." UNIFIL's annual budget is around $500 million, which is provided by contributions from U.N. member states. Contributions to U.N. peacekeeping missions are based on a formula, which takes into account 'relative economic wealth of member states, with the five permanent members of the Security Council required to pay a larger share because of their special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,' according to the U.N. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized UNIFIL in several instances, calling on the U.N. to withdraw its peacekeepers from Lebanon and accusing the mission of serving as human shields for Hezbollah during the recent conflict in Lebanon. UNIFIL has reported numerous breaches of the U.S.-brokered truce deal between Israel and Hezbollah that took effect in November, ending 14 months of conflict, including two months of intense Israeli bombardment. These include nearly 2,200 Israeli airspace incursions, more than 40 airstrikes, and close to 1,300 Israeli ground activities in southern Lebanon, a spokesman for the peacekeeping force told The National in April. The peacekeeping force holds regular meetings with the ceasefire monitoring committee established under the latest truce, which is led by the United States and includes France, the Israeli military and the Lebanese army. Despite this, Israel has continued to strike Lebanon, including the capital's suburbs, claiming that it is striking Hezbollah military sites that violate the agreement.
LBCI
07-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
UNIFIL spokesperson says patrol blocked in Srifa was coordinated with Lebanese army
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said Saturday that a group of men in civilian clothes stopped a peacekeeping patrol in the town of Srifa earlier in the day despite the fact that the patrol had been coordinated with the Lebanese Armed Forces. 'The peacekeepers were able to resume their scheduled activity after the intervention of the Lebanese army,' Tenenti said. He added that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 grants UNIFIL the authority to move freely and carry out patrols—with or without the presence of the Lebanese army. 'This is part of our mandate,' he said. 'While we coordinate closely with the Lebanese army, the freedom of movement of our peacekeepers is essential for fulfilling our mission.'
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
UNIFIL condemns attack on patrol in southern Lebanon
BEIRUT: Lebanese authorities on Friday were urged to ensure that UN peacekeepers could carry out their mandated tasks without threats or obstruction. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, 'reminds all actors to avoid actions putting UN peacekeepers in danger,' said its spokesperson Andrea Tenenti. They must respect the inviolability of UN personnel and premises at all times, he stressed. Tenenti said the routine UN peacekeeping patrol was 'pre-planned and coordinated with the Lebanese army.' The UNIFIL statement came after its patrol was attacked on Friday in southern Lebanon by a large group of people wielding metal sticks and axes. The attack took place in the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbet Silim. The peacekeepers were confronted when the group attempted to block their movement using aggressive means, according to the UNIFIL statement. A number of residents in Jmayjmeh in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon prevented the UNIFIL patrol on Friday from reaching a privately owned area in the town. However, the incident escalated into gunfire and the use of smoke grenades. The residents, most of whom are Hezbollah supporters, justified their actions by claiming that 'the patrol was not accompanied by the Lebanese army to complete its mission.' According to journalists in the area and video footage captured by mobile phones, the confrontation escalated to the point where soldiers from the UNIFIL patrol — composed of French, Norwegian, Finnish, and Scottish battalions — fired shots into the air and used tear gas to disperse the crowd, until a Lebanese army patrol arrived and escorted the UNIFIL unit out of the area. According to the National News Agency, the incident resulted in injuries among both UNIFIL personnel and civilians. UNIFIL spokesperson Tenenti, in an official statement issued by the UNIFIL command, described the incident from the perspective of the international forces. He said: 'This morning, a UNIFIL patrol conducting a routine operational activity between the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbat Silim was confronted by a large group of individuals in civilian clothing. 'The individuals attempted to stop the patrol using aggressive means, wielding metal sticks and axes, resulting in damage to the vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. 'In response, UNIFIL peacekeepers used non-lethal force to ensure the safety of both the peacekeepers and those present. 'The Lebanese Armed Forces were informed and promptly arrived at the scene, subsequently escorting the patrol back to base.' He stressed: 'UNIFIL reminds all actors that its mandate provides freedom of movement within its area of operations in south Lebanon, and any restriction on this violates UN resolution 1701, which authorizes the UNIFIL to operate independently — with or without the Lebanese Armed Forces. 'While we always coordinate our operational activities with the Lebanese forces, our ability to conduct these activities independently does not depend on their presence.' He added: 'It is unacceptable that UNIFIL peacekeepers conducting Security Council-mandated tasks are routinely targeted.' UNIFIL reiterated that 'the freedom of movement of its peacekeepers is essential to accomplishing our mandate, which requires us to be able to act independently and impartially.' Since the ceasefire agreement took effect in November 2024, attacks on UNIFIL by Hezbollah supporters have continued and escalated, particularly in recent weeks, under the pretext of preventing the UN force from entering private property. Friday's attacks coincide with the request made by the Lebanese Cabinet last Wednesday to extend UNIFIL's mandate for one year. As usual, the Security Council reviews the request and subsequently renews the mandate of UNIFIL each August. UNIFIL has maintained a presence south of the Litani River since 1978, deploying around 10,000 troops. In August 2022, most of the members of the UN Security Council approved the extension of UNIFIL's mandate after an amendment to the freedom of movement of international peacekeepers. The amendment stated: 'UNIFIL does not require prior authorization or permission to carry out its mandated tasks and is allowed to conduct its operations independently. It emphasized, however, 'coordination with the Lebanese government.' Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, influenced by Hezbollah, had protested against the amendment. Hezbollah's then Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned against adopting the amendment. He said: 'If they (UNIFIL) intend to act independently of the state and the Lebanese army, which is responsible for movement south of Litani, then they are pushing matters in a direction that is not in their interest.' Less than four months after the amendment of UNIFIL's duties, a violent incident — considered the most serious against the peacekeepers — took place in December 2022. An Irish soldier was killed and three others were injured when their armored vehicle was shot at in the Aaqbiyeh area, north of the Litani River, after they lost their way. The investigation into the incident in 2023 led to the issuance of an indictment by the military judiciary, accusing five Hezbollah members of premeditated murder. One of them, Mohammed Ayyad, was arrested, but later that same year, he was released because he was said to be suffering from a terminal illness and did not appear before the judiciary thereafter. Despite Lebanese objections, UNIFIL's mandate was renewed in 2023, without altering the amendment. Hezbollah supporters continued to assault UNIFIL, and incidents have escalated since the ceasefire took effect in November 2024, especially in recent weeks. Lebanon has, however, pledged to increase the army's presence along the southern border and has already expanded its deployment. According to President Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army 'carried out its duties in full south of the Litani River and continues to confiscate weapons and ammunition and to dismantle armed groups.' A government source speaking to Arab News on condition of anonymity said on Friday that 'the new request submitted by the Nawaf Salam government was not accompanied by a request to cancel the amendment rejected by Hezbollah. Instead, it accepted the amendment as it stands. 'Lebanon fears that the US and Israel may seek to add new privileges to UNIFIL in the next mandate extension. "Meanwhile, the French side, as promised, is working to help Lebanon maintain the extension without any additional amendments. 'In the aftermath of war, Israel has been free to carry out attacks on Lebanon with Washington's approval. It has repeatedly expressed its dissatisfaction with UNIFIL's role, which it considers insufficient.' Also on Friday, a statement signed by the 'residents of Jmayjmeh' accused UNIFIL of 'overstepping by entering the vicinity of the town's hills for the second time without being accompanied by the Lebanese army and trespassing onto private property.' According to the statement, the residents 'rushed to inspect the property and asked UNIFIL peacekeepers to retreat and not to go further into the premises. 'However, UNIFIL started quarreling with the residents, throwing tear gas canisters at their eyes and firing bullets, resulting in several injuries.'
Saudi Gazette
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Israeli army fires warning shots at UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon
BEIRUT — The Israeli army fired warning shots at United Nations peacekeepers patrolling near the southern Lebanese town of Rmeish, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Saturday. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident, which took place during a scheduled patrol. In a separate event, an Israeli military patrol reportedly aimed laser beams at UN peacekeepers, raising further concerns about the safety of UN personnel. "Any action that endangers the safety of UN peacekeepers while performing their mandated duties is unacceptable," Tenenti said. The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding the report. The incidents come amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since November 2024, following a surge in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict in September. According to Lebanese authorities, Israel has committed nearly 1,100 violations of the truce, including air and ground incursions that have resulted in at least 92 deaths and more than 285 injuries. UN Security Council Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, mandates a halt to hostilities and the creation of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line — the de facto border — and the Litani River. Only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are permitted to operate in the area. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel has delayed its full military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, missing the original deadline of Jan. 26. The extension to Feb. 18 also passed without full compliance, with Israeli forces still stationed at five border outposts. — Agencies
