Lebanon-Israel Conflict: IDF Calls for Withdrawal of UNIFIL from Hezbollah Strongholds Amid Escalating Tensions
Beirut, Lebanon – Marking one year since the war began, Israeli forces have intensified their efforts against Hezbollah, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urging the United Nations to withdraw its peacekeepers from conflict zones to avoid further casualties. Israeli officials describe the conflict as a “war of redemption” against Iran’s influence in the region, with the IDF targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.
Israel claims success in eliminating Hezbollah’s senior leadership, including the group’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, and dismantling key infrastructure. According to the IDF, its troops are actively destroying Hezbollah’s command centers, weapon stockpiles, and underground tunnels as part of efforts to secure northern Israel and return displaced residents to their homes. The Israeli government reiterated that their fight is against Hezbollah, not the Lebanese people, emphasizing that Hezbollah is acting as Iran’s proxy and has effectively occupied Lebanon.
Appeal to the United Nations
In an urgent appeal, Israeli officials called on the United Nations Secretary-General to immediately withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from Hezbollah-controlled areas, arguing that the peacekeepers are being used as “human shields” by the militant group. The IDF claims it has made repeated requests for the withdrawal of UNIFIL forces, which they say have been consistently denied. The refusal, they argue, places both UNIFIL personnel and IDF soldiers at greater risk.
“We regret the harm to UNIFIL soldiers, and we are doing our utmost to prevent it,” said an Israeli official. “But the simplest way to ensure their safety is to withdraw them from the danger zone.”
Israel has faced increasing international pressure from European leaders, who have criticized the country’s military operations. However, Israeli officials insist that the focus should be on Hezbollah’s actions, accusing the militant group of exploiting UNIFIL as a protective barrier.
UNIFIL Reports Violations
Meanwhile, UNIFIL released a statement expressing concern over a recent incursion by Israeli forces into one of their posts. According to the peacekeepers, IDF tanks crossed the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated border between Israel and Lebanon, and forcibly entered a UNIFIL position near the town of Ramyah early Sunday morning.
UNIFIL reported that during the incident, peacekeepers sheltered inside while IDF tanks destroyed the main gate and demanded the base turn off its lights. Shortly afterward, the IDF fired several rounds nearby, resulting in smoke entering the camp. Fifteen peacekeepers were affected by the smoke, suffering skin irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms, though all are receiving treatment.
UNIFIL strongly condemned the incursion, calling it a “flagrant violation” of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The peacekeeping force has demanded an explanation from the IDF regarding the breach of their position and warned that such actions endanger their personnel.
IDF Explains Incident
In response, the IDF explained that the entry into the UNIFIL post was unintentional and occurred while evacuating wounded soldiers following an anti-tank missile attack by Hezbollah. According to the IDF, two soldiers were severely injured, prompting the tank to back into the UNIFIL position under heavy enemy fire.
The IDF maintained that no harm was intended toward UNIFIL and stated that coordination with the peacekeepers had been maintained throughout the incident. They also clarified that the smoke used was part of an effort to provide cover during the evacuation of injured personnel.
As tensions rise in the ongoing conflict, Israel’s military operations continue to escalate, with the government remaining steadfast in its determination to dismantle Hezbollah’s presence in Lebanon. At the same time, calls for international intervention to prevent further harm to civilians and peacekeepers grow louder. The future of UNIFIL’s presence in Lebanon remains uncertain as the conflict shows no signs of abating.