UN and Israel Exchange Accusations Regarding Tank Attack
The U.N. expressed concern over an incident where an Israeli tank breached a peacekeeper base. Israel claimed that Hezbollah was operating nearby and used the base as a ‘human shield.’
Israel and the United Nations exchanged accusations on Oct. 14 regarding U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, specifically involving a tank attack at a U.N. base.
The U.N. reported that Israeli tanks forcefully entered the base in southern Lebanon before dawn on Oct. 13. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping force stated that two Merkava tanks destroyed the base’s main gate and entered. Following their departure, shells exploded nearby, releasing smoke that affected U.N. personnel within the base, causing illness, according to the force’s statement.
Recent events have left five U.N. force members injured.
In response, Israel refuted the accusations, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting that the Iran-backed Hezbollah group used peacekeepers as human shields. However, Hezbollah denied using the proximity to peacekeepers for protection.
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) asserted that Hezbollah had launched anti-tank missiles at Israeli troops, resulting in injuries to 25 soldiers. The IDF clarified that the tank incident near a UNIFIL post happened while evacuating the wounded soldiers under heavy fire.
The IDF utilized a smokescreen to cover the evacuation of wounded soldiers, assuring that their actions posed no threat to the U.N. peacekeeping force.
Netanyahu addressed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging the withdrawal of UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and combat zones.
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The IDF stated that no harm was intended towards the U.N. peacekeeping force during their operations. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of U.N. forces and Lebanese armed forces.
UNIFIL maintained its positions, vowing to protect peacekeepers from any attacks, as outlined in international law and humanitarian regulations.
Concerns were raised about previous Israeli actions that hindered UNIFIL’s monitoring capabilities, potentially limiting oversight of international law violations in the region.
The U.S. Defense Secretary urged Israel to protect U.N. forces and Lebanese authorities while highlighting the need for compliance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 to prevent Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon.
Israeli soldiers display what they say is an entrance to a Hezbollah tunnel found during their ground operation in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. AP Photo/Sam McNeil
The IDF accused Hezbollah of violating Resolution 1701 by amassing weapons near the border and launching rockets at Israel from the region.
Hezbollah’s aggressive actions, including firing rockets from locations near UNIFIL posts, have resulted in casualties.
The IDF stressed that their operations target Hezbollah and not the U.N. or its personnel. They had requested UNIFIL to relocate from combat zones to ensure their safety before initiating operations.
Continuous communication with UNIFIL is maintained to minimize any potential harm to peacekeeping forces.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
