UNIFIL Reports Escalating Tensions with Drone Attacks near Israel-Lebanon Border

On Wednesday, UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping mission responsible for monitoring compliance with international treaties along the Lebanon-Israel border, reported a significant escalation in tensions. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Israel reportedly dropped four grenades using drones in an area where UNIFIL personnel were working to remove roadblocks that had restricted access to one of their operational sites. Fortunately, UNIFIL confirmed that the incident resulted in no injuries to its staff. In its statement, UNIFIL disclosed that prior to the attack, they had informed the Israeli army of their personnel's presence in the area. Alarmingly, one grenade landed a mere 20 meters from where UNIFIL workers were stationed, while three others fell approximately 100 meters away from their vehicles. This incident marks one of the most severe attacks UNIFIL has experienced since the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in November. Before this ceasefire, both Israel and Hezbollah had conducted attacks on UNIFIL bases. Although violence between the two parties was temporarily curtailed, Israel has continued to execute hostile acts against the UN peacekeeping mission, including laser targeting of troops and use of drones over their positions. Amid these rising tensions, the UN Security Council recently made the decision to extend the UNIFIL mission until the end of 2026, although it includes a gradual withdrawal of personnel from the country by the end of 2027. The Israeli government has been vocal in its calls for the withdrawal of the UNIFIL mission, alleging that it serves to protect Hezbollah, complicating an already volatile situation in the region. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2