The Israel Defence Forces on Friday stated that two UN peacekeepers sustained injuries after its troops opened fired at an "immediate threat," located approximately 50 meters near the UNIFIL post in southern Lebanon. This is the second such incident in the region, where UN mission peacekeepers were wounded during attacks launched by Israel on Hezbollah. Reacting to this, President Emmanuel Macron said that France will not tolerate "deliberate targeting" of UN peacekeepers by Israeli forces.
"Earlier today (Friday), IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon identified an immediate threat against them. The soldiers responded with fire toward the threat. An initial examination indicates that during the incident, a hit was identified on a
UNIFIL post, located approximately 50 meters from the source of the threat, resulting in the injury of two UNIFIL personnel," IDF stated in a post on X.
The Israeli forces also said that hours before the incident took place, they had "instructed UNIFIL personnel to enter into protected spaces and remain there". "This instruction was in place at the time of the incident," IDF added.
The incident occurred after the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Lebanon accused Israel of "deliberately" attacking three of its positions in the region over the past 24 hours. The UN peacekeeping mission also alleged that two of its personnel were injured after Israel fired at an observation tower close to their main headquarters in the city of Naquora on October 10.
IDF said that it is in contact with the UNIFIL for coordination and is continuing to examine the circumstances of the incident.
"The Hezbollah terrorist organization deliberately operates with the intent to harm Israeli civilians from civilian areas and near UNIFIL posts, thereby endangering UNIFIL personnel," IDF claimed.
'Absolutely Unacceptable': Macron On UN Peacekeepers Injured In Lebanon
Addressing a summit of European and Mediterranean leaders in Cyprus, French President Macron said that it was "absolutely unacceptable" that Israeli forces were "deliberately" targeting the UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
He also said the only way to end wars in Lebanon and Gaza is by stopping export of weapons to Israel. "We all know it. It's the unique lever that would end it," the Kuwait Times quoted him as saying.
Earlier today, the IDF had said that it was "conducting a thorough review" to know the details of the attacks that injured the UNIFIL personnel. "The IDF expresses deep concern over incidents of this kind and is currently conducting a thorough review at the highest levels of command to determine the details," the military said.
It had also assured that Israel exercised caution to minimise harm to civilians and peacekeepers alike. "The IDF will continue making efforts to mitigate the risk of such unfortunate incidents happening again," it said.