Israel's Military Actions Against UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon
In recent developments, Israel's military strategy has come under scrutiny following repeated bombings targeting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Military expert Brigadier General Hatem Karim Al-Falahi provided insights into Israel's objectives, stating that the nation aims to eliminate UN forces from southern Lebanon, deeming them unnecessary. This pattern of aggression aligns with Israel's historical actions against UN organizations, particularly in the Gaza Strip, where they have similarly attacked institutions like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Al-Falahi highlighted that UN Resolution 1701, which was established to cease hostilities during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, is no longer relevant, as it has not been effectively implemented by either party. The resolution called for Hezbollah's withdrawal beyond the Litani River and the deployment of Lebanese army forces in the south, yet Israel now perceives the presence of international forces as a hindrance rather than a necessity.
The recent escalation in violence has led to injuries among UNIFIL personnel, including two Indonesian soldiers and members of the Sri Lankan battalion, prompting accusations against the Israeli army for their aggressive actions. With more than 10,000 UNIFIL troops from 50 countries stationed in the region, the ongoing attacks have sparked significant international condemnation and raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon.
