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Netanyahu Urges UN Peacekeepers To Leave Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

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In a bold statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the immediate withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from Lebanon.

This appeal comes as Israel marks one year of an intense conflict that Netanyahu describes as a “war of redemption” against Iran and its allied militant group, Hezbollah.

“We are marking one year of the harsh war that was forced on us,” Netanyahu stated.

He emphasised the need for security, saying, “We are more determined than ever to secure our future, and we are more determined than ever to defeat our enemies.”

Netanyahu’s message was directed at UN Secretary-General António Guterres during a recent press conference.

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He expressed frustration that UN peacekeepers, known as UNIFIL, have been positioned in areas that provide cover for Hezbollah, which he described as “Iran’s terrorist proxy.”

Netanyahu insisted that the conflict is not with the Lebanese people but rather with Hezbollah, which he accused of occupying Lebanon.

Calls for Action Against Hezbollah

In his appeal to the UN Secretary-General, Netanyahu stressed the urgency of the situation.

He said, “The time has come for you to withdraw UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and from the combat zones.”

Netanyahu added that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have repeatedly requested the withdrawal of UNIFIL, but these requests have been denied.

He claimed that the presence of UNIFIL in these areas has put peacekeepers at risk, turning them into “hostages of Hezbollah.”

“Your refusal to evacuate UNIFIL soldiers has turned them into hostages of Hezbollah,” he stated.

This assertion reflects Israel’s ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu said, “We regret the harm to UNIFIL soldiers, and we are doing our utmost to prevent such harm.”

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However, he argued that the best way to ensure their safety is to remove them from the combat zones.

Hezbollah’s Actions Prompt Concern

Netanyahu’s statements come amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

Early on the same day as Netanyahu’s remarks, UNIFIL reported that Israeli troops crossed into Lebanon and entered a UN position.

In a statement, UNIFIL said, “Early this morning, peacekeepers at a UN position in Ramyah observed three platoons of IDF soldiers crossing the Blue Line into Lebanon.”

The situation escalated when two IDF tanks entered the UN position, damaging the gate.

UNIFIL peacekeepers reported that their requests for the tanks to turn off their lights were ignored.

The tanks left the area about 45 minutes later after UNIFIL officials protested the situation.

Later in the morning, peacekeepers reported smoke and firing in the area, which resulted in skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions for fifteen peacekeepers.

UNIFIL is providing treatment for the affected personnel.

The agency stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of UN personnel, reiterating that any attack on peacekeepers violates international law.

UNIFIL also reminded the IDF of its obligations to protect UN personnel and facilities.

IDF’s Explanation of the Incident

In response to these accusations, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) provided an explanation for their actions.

They stated that the entry into the UNIFIL post was a reaction to an attack on their troops.

“Earlier today, a large barrage of anti-tank missiles was fired toward IDF troops in southern Lebanon,” an IDF spokesperson explained.

Two Israeli soldiers were severely injured during this attack.

The IDF noted that the tank that entered the UN position was attempting to evacuate injured soldiers under fire.

After the enemy fire ceased, the IDF clarified that their tank backed into the UNIFIL post while retreating.

The IDF maintained that no danger was posed to UNIFIL forces during this incident.

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They expressed regret for any inconvenience caused but asserted that their actions were necessary for the safety of their soldiers.

International Concerns and Reactions

The ongoing conflict and the recent incidents have raised concerns among international observers.

The UN has called for calm and urged both sides to respect international laws regarding peacekeeping missions.

European leaders have responded to the escalating tensions by calling for restraint from both Israel and Hezbollah.

Netanyahu criticized these calls for restraint, urging European leaders to direct their criticism towards Hezbollah instead.

“Unfortunately, several European leaders are applying pressure in the wrong place,” he said.

He accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL as a “human shield,” similar to claims made about Hamas in Gaza.

This rhetoric highlights the complex dynamics of international politics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader regional issues.

The Broader Context of the Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has deep roots in the history of the region.

Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group backed by Iran, emerged during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s.

Since then, it has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel, most notably the 2006 Lebanon War.

Tensions have flared periodically, and recent developments have reignited fears of a broader conflict in the region.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and its influence in the Middle East.

Israel views Iran as its primary threat and has taken significant steps to counter Iranian influence, particularly in Lebanon.

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