Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday to withdraw UN peacekeepers from southern Lebanon, citing safety concerns amid escalating violence.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), tasked with monitoring the volatile Lebanon-Israel border, has refused Israel’s repeated requests to evacuate despite several recent injuries to its personnel caused by Israeli fire.
In a video statement, Netanyahu stressed that the UN peacekeepers were providing a “human shield” for Hezbollah militants, making them vulnerable and endangering both their lives and those of Israeli soldiers. He urged Guterres to act “immediately” to move UNIFIL forces out of the conflict zone.
Netanyahu’s comments followed UNIFIL’s decision to remain in its positions despite the dangers. UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti emphasized the importance of maintaining the UN’s presence in the region, citing their crucial role in reporting to the UN Security Council.
Tensions have risen as Israel continues its military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and Netanyahu’s latest appeal underscores the risks to international peacekeeping forces caught in the crossfire.
