A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today reported that an Israeli tank fired machine guns towards a group of its observers in southern Lebanon. The gunfire struck a position just 5 meters from UNIFIL personnel, forcing them to seek shelter. No one was injured in the incident. The Israeli tank withdrew about 30 minutes after UNIFIL contacted the Israeli military.

UNIFIL condemned Israel's actions as a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution prohibits any armed forces other than the Lebanese military and UNIFIL from operating in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL stated this was not the first time Israel had endangered its personnel, urging Tel Aviv to cease all aggressive behavior.

Israeli tank near the Lebanon border in 10/2023. *AFP*

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared the incident an accidental firing, explaining that soldiers were targeting "two suspects" in the El Hamames area near the border when they discovered UNIFIL forces patrolling. The IDF attributed the event to poor weather, which led to misidentification, emphasizing they "did not intentionally" target United Nations forces.

An agreement, effective from 11/2024, stipulates that Israel will withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah will disband its forces in the area. Under pressure from the US and concerns over escalating Israeli airstrikes, Lebanon began disarming Hezbollah, despite opposition from the group and its allies.

However, Israel maintains 5 strategic positions and has repeatedly attacked Hezbollah locations in Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned these attacks, accusing Israel of striking civilian infrastructure and calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

By Thanh Danh (AFP, Reuters)