After repeated violence against soldiers of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Israeli army has assured that the UN peacekeepers are “not a target” for the army. The Israeli army would carry out operations against the “terrorist organization Hezbollah” in southern Lebanon, the army said on Wednesday.
“UNIFIL infrastructure and forces are not targets and any irregular incident will be thoroughly investigated.”
Injured peacekeepers sparked outrage
In the escalating conflict between the Israeli army and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping force is increasingly caught between the fronts. Last week, five peacekeepers were injured during Israeli army operations in southern Lebanon, sparking international outrage. On Wednesday, UNIFIL said an Israeli tank fired “direct and clearly deliberate shots” at a UN peacekeeping mission position.
The UNIFIL peacekeeping force has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978 and consists of approximately 10,000 soldiers and civilians. Austria is participating in the mission with 160 soldiers.
The Pentagon insists on protecting UNIFIL soldiers
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called on Israel to protect UNIFIL soldiers in southern Lebanon. In a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Galant, Austin stressed the importance of taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL troops and the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Pentagon said.
US military aid to Israel in jeopardy?
In addition, Austin reiterated his call for Israel to take action to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza. The Pentagon said it encouraged the Israeli government to take further steps to improve the dire humanitarian situation. On Tuesday, the US government had already called on Israel to noticeably improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within thirty days. Otherwise, there is a risk that US military aid laws will be violated – which could also potentially jeopardize US military aid to Israel.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
