UN reports that Israeli tanks have breached a military base in southern Lebanon.

UN reports that Israeli tanks have breached a military base in southern Lebanon.

The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has reported that Israeli tanks forcibly entered one of its positions early Sunday morning. 

According to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tanks damaged the main gate of a post in Ramyah, near the Israeli border, and "forcibly entered the position" to demand that the lights be turned off. 

About two hours later, Unifil reported nearby gunfire, which resulted in smoke entering the camp and causing skin irritations and gastrointestinal reactions among 15 peacekeepers.

The IDF provided a different account, stating they entered the Unifil position to evacuate soldiers wounded by an anti-tank missile, claiming two soldiers were seriously injured. The IDF explained that the tanks moved back toward the Unifil position for the evacuation due to shooting threats in the area and used a smoke screen during the incident. They emphasized that they maintained continuous communication with Unifil, asserting there was no threat to Unifil personnel from their activities.

This incident is part of an escalating series of encounters between Unifil and Israeli forces. Israel has repeatedly called for the peacekeeping force to withdraw from southern Lebanon, especially after launching a ground incursion targeting Hezbollah on September 30. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Unifil to "immediately" move its troops "out of harm's way," claiming their presence makes them "hostages of Hezbollah." Unifil has so far rejected these requests.

Previous incidents have drawn international condemnation, with the IDF acknowledging responsibility for injuries to Unifil troops in some cases. Unifil reiterated its call for all parties to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and to respect the inviolability of UN premises, labeling the breach in Ramyah as a "flagrant violation of international law."

On Saturday, Israeli troops also prevented Unifil from carrying out a "critical" logistical movement near Meiss El Jebel, though the IDF has not commented on that incident.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in near-daily cross-border exchanges of fire since last October, following a significant attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Nearly 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries are stationed in Lebanon, alongside around 800 civilian staff, patrolling the area between the Litani River and the UN-recognized boundary known as the "Blue Line."

Before the recent incidents, five peacekeepers were injured in related events, with the most notable incident occurring when a soldier was shot at Unifil's headquarters in Naquora, though the bullet's origin was unknown. The day prior, the IDF admitted responsibility for injuries to two Sri Lankan Unifil troops, and earlier, two Indonesian soldiers were hurt when they fell from an observation tower after an Israeli tank fired nearby.

These incidents have led to rebukes from several of Israel's allies, including France, Italy, and Spain, while a UK spokesperson expressed being "appalled." In his remarks, Netanyahu suggested European leaders should direct their criticisms toward Hezbollah instead of Israel, arguing that Unifil has failed to stabilize the region.

Israel contends that Unifil has not effectively prevented Hezbollah's activities south of the Litani River, which justifies the UN presence. Netanyahu pointed out that requests for peacekeepers to withdraw to confront Hezbollah have been consistently refused and claimed that Unifil is providing a "human shield" for Hezbollah fighters, endangering both their lives and those of Israeli soldiers.

Unifil officials, however, have repeatedly stated their commitment to remaining in the area, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the UN presence. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nijab Mikati condemned Netanyahu's statements, calling them a disregard for international law and urging other nations to take a firm stance against Israeli aggression.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/