Netanyahu urges UN to evacuate UNIFIL from south Lebanon, UNIFIL officials say they are not going anywhere

TEL AVIV / BEIRUT — Amid escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon, particularly in its southern regions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the United Nations to evacuate UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) from combat zones in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu emphasized that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres must act to remove UNIFIL forces from areas of conflict, claiming that by not doing so, these forces are being held “hostage” by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia operating in Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Netanyahu’s demands, describing them as a continuation of Israel’s disregard for international legitimacy and its resolutions. Mikati stressed that Israel’s actions threaten to undermine peace efforts in the region.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also weighed in, with her office issuing a statement following a phone call with Netanyahu, declaring that attacks on UNIFIL personnel are unacceptable. This sentiment was echoed by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who, in a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, emphasized the need for Israel to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL forces as well as the Lebanese Army.

UNIFIL itself reported that 15 of its peacekeepers were injured indirectly due to Israeli gunfire. While not directly targeted, the forces sustained injuries during the conflict.

The UNIFIL spokesperson indicated via social media that the peacekeeping mission was not going anywhere, saying, “We are staying. We are in the south of Lebanon under a security council mandate, so it’s important to keep an international presence and to keep the UN flag in the area.”

As tensions continue to rise, calls for international intervention and adherence to UN mandates intensify to protect peacekeepers and civilians in the volatile region.